Secret places in Rome that you won't find in your typical travel guide. Capitoline Museums and their priceless collections. Why do you need to throw coins into the fountain

When someone talks about Rome, we involuntarily imagine his main attractions of Rome - the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Undoubtedly, having arrived in the eternal city for the first time, to visit the most Famous places a must, but unusual places in Rome will be interesting. And if you want to explore the city with leisurely walks and feel its atmosphere, then I want to offer you to learn more about those places that you might not have reached or would have passed by without paying attention to them, namely interesting places in Rome that are worth visit.

Cats on Torre Argentina

If you are an animal lover, then this is the place for you. The place where the local small inhabitants of Rome, cats and cats live, is located in Torre Argentina Square. They are fed here and, if necessary, treated, and also necessarily sterilized. Cats hide in the ruins there when it rains, and when it's warm outside, they bask in the sun and go out to people. But the city administration strongly discourages feeding these same cats outside the ruins, as cats often run out onto the road where cars drive.

Porta Portese vintage market

The market, located between Porta Portese and Ponte Sublizio, is open for locals and tourists only on Sundays, and it is better to come in the morning. The market has stalls with new things - Chinese junk, and there is a flea market area where they sell used bags, clothes and household goods. Walking around the market is quite interesting, especially if you are a fan of all sorts of unusual or old things.

Borehole at Buco della serratura

This marvel represents the door of the seat of the Maltese embassy on the Aventine Hill. If you look through its keyhole, you can achieve a stunning visual and geographical effect - look through three countries:
1. The Vatican as the most unique and memorable view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
2. The gate itself and the residence belong to the Order of Malta.
3. Italy - the place where you stand, and kilometers of air to the Cathedral

Monument to Pushkin

In Rome, opposite the Museum of Modern Art, in the park of Villa Borghese, there is a monument to our compatriot - Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. According to the president, it was Pushkin who opened the doors to the world of Italian culture for the Russian people. The monument is a gift to Rome from Moscow. In reply Russian capital received as a gift from the eternal city bust of Dante.

Villa Doria Pamphili

Villa Doria Pamphili is located on the Gianicolo Hill (ancient Roman Janiculum) and lies within the boundaries of Ancient Rome. The Roman Aurelian Way began from Gianicolo Hill. Vineyards and a small estate existed here until 1630. The Pamphili family acquired the estate after their marriage to Olimpia Maidalchini. The estate was used as a country house in the summer and the family gradually bought up neighboring vineyards, increasing their holdings. The villa is surrounded by a park of 9 square kilometers - the largest park in Rome. In 1960, Via Olimpica was drawn through the park. Since 1971, the park, bought from the previous owners, has been open to visitors.

Peace Altar

In 13 BC was established historical monument as a memorial altar - the Altar of Peace. Solemn sacrifices were made on January 30 and March 30. The main artistic interest is the marble walls, decorated with sculptural bas-reliefs, the plots of which are subordinated to the idea of ​​universal worship and recognition of the greatness of the Roman civilization. In 2006, a new modern museum complex was built for the attraction, timed to coincide with its opening to celebrate the founding of Rome. The glass and white travertine building by architect Richard Mayer includes not only an altar room, but also auditoriums and exhibition halls. It is located very close to Villa Borghese.

Turtle Fountain

The fountain appeared on Mattei Square back in 1558 and initially there were no turtles in the fountain, and their appearance was not planned. Initially, this is a composition of four young men who stand on the heads of dolphins. But once the master, whose name is unknown, attached four turtles to the sculpture and it turned out that the young men, as it were, were throwing these turtles into the fountain bowl. This filled the fountain with some zest, and it was decided to call it Turtle.

Rome is one of the largest and oldest cities in the world. Sometimes Rome is called not only the capital of Italy, but of the whole world. The city is rich beautiful architecture, a lot of interesting places and majestic sights. You should visit Rome more than once, because to see everything tourist places the capital of Italy in one trip is unlikely to succeed. Below is a list of the most famous attractions in Rome which are a must see.

The Colosseum is one of the main attractions of ancient Rome. The building is located in Piazza del Colosseo. Construction was carried out in the period from 72 to 80 years. Its height is 50 meters. At the time of its functioning, it accommodated more than 50,000 people. Several times the Colosseum was destroyed. The reason for this was 2 earthquakes and a major fire, resulting in the collapse of the outer and southern walls. It was after these events that the Colosseum acquired its modern dilapidated appearance, attracting all visitors to Rome today.

2. Capitol Hill

One of the seven hills on which Ancient Rome was founded. Today, Capitol Hill can be safely called a museum under open sky. On the territory of the Capitol, tourists are waiting for ancient statues, viewing platforms, several palaces and a beautiful square designed by Michelangelo. Here you can visit the Capitoline Museum. This is a whole complex where ancient sculptures, figurines, paintings and other works of art are presented.

On the hill is the Palace of the Senators, also built according to the project of Michelangelo. Both sides of the palace offer magnificent views of the Forum. Walking along Capitol Hill can take all day, and during this period you can learn a lot of new and interesting things.

3. Plaza of Spain

Piazza di Spagna is located in the center of Rome, in the Campo Marzio area. She got her name because of the Spanish embassy located on it. The area is famous for several attractions. Her north side famous for the Spanish Steps, which has 138 steps and the Catholic Church of Trinita dei Monti, built in 1585. WITH south side the Palace of Spain is located, the construction of which dates back to 1620. It is noteworthy that the Plaza de España is the heart of the Roman fashion quarter. From here begins Via dei Condotti, where you can visit the most prestigious and fashionable shops in Rome.

4. Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon is one of the most popular attractions in Rome, which every traveler also wants to see. This is the most majestic ancient domed building that has survived to this day. The Pantheon was built in 126 AD. by order of Emperor Hadrian. The building is a prominent representative of ancient Roman architecture.

The Pantheon in Rome has a rich interior decoration. main feature structures - a hole in the roof through which the inside of the building penetrates sunlight. At noon, a beautiful light column is formed, which every perfectionist will appreciate. Many famous Italian figures are buried in the Pantheon: Raphael, Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I.

St. Peter's Square is the most major city. It houses a number of other attractive sights of Rome, the largest of which is St. Peter's Basilica. The square was designed by Giovanni Bernini in 1656-1667. It has an oval shape, and if you stand at certain points, an optical illusion can be created when the columns of the rows of the colonnade become in one line. The square also has two fountains. One designed by Alberto da Piacenza, the other by Carlo Maderna.

The forum is located in the central part of Rome. This is one of the favorite places for tourists and residents of the capital of Italy. For a long time it was a place for public gatherings. The attraction has an impressive size and includes a huge number of interesting buildings: Temples, Arches, Basilicas and more. The most famous building in the Roman Forum is the Temple of Saturn. It was erected in 489 BC. This is one of ancient temples throughout Italy, see in Rome which is a must.

The Sistine Chapel founded in 1473-1481 according to the project of George de Dolci. Outwardly, this Roman landmark is a simple church building, but inside it is a real work of art. Today, the Sistine Chapel is a full-fledged museum and a pearl of the Renaissance. Inside the chapel, visitors can enjoy the masterpieces of such geniuses as Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio and many others. Sistine Chapel - heaven and mandatory seat destination in Rome for art lovers.

Santa Maria Maggiore is a Catholic church, one of the main basilicas of Rome. It was built in the 4th century. The church shows the outlines of different eras. It has an ancient layout, but its interior decoration dates back to the 18th century. Inside you can see many mosaics, frescoes, paintings and decorations. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most visited churches in Rome.

The largest Catholic cathedral in the Vatican, where every tourist in Rome also goes. Several generations of great masters worked on its creation. St. Peter's Cathedral includes 2 architectural directions: Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Inside the cathedral is no less beautiful than outside. Its interior is full of various statues, altars, tombstones, paintings and works of art. The cathedral is divided into several parts: the central nave, the right nave and the left nave. In each of them you can see the work of great masters.

The Baths of Caracalla is a well-known landmark of the city of Rome, which is a whole complex of huge boulders. Their construction was carried out from 212 to 217 BC. This is a truly majestic place that deserves the attention of tourists, which can be visited along the Appian Way, against the backdrop of picturesque nature.

11. Castel Sant'Angelo

The construction of this castle was carried out in the period from 135 to 139. Emperor Hadrian erected the building as a Mausoleum for the burial of emperors. However, later (during the period of the Roman popes) the building began to be used as a fortress from enemy raids. Today the castle is used as a military history museum. During its existence, the castle suffered numerous destructions and restorations. That is why it reflected architectural styles several epochs. Beautiful place in Rome for history buffs!

12. Raphael's Stanzas

Raphael's Stanzas are rooms located in the Papal Palace of the Vatican. They present the best works of Raphael and his students, made in the form of frescoes. Raphael's stanzas are only part of the Vatican museum complex. The rooms are quite small, but they fascinate with their grandeur and beauty. The works are presented in 4 rooms: the Stanza della Senyatura, the Stanza d'Eliodoro, the Stanza del Incendio di Borgo and the Stanza Constantine. Raphael's Stanzas are deservedly one of the most interesting places in the Vatican.

13. Vatican Museum Complex

museum complex The Vatican was founded in 1506 and, along with the Capitoline Museums, is the oldest in Rome. The Vatican Museums have been operating for more than 500 years, so they feature works of art from different centuries. This is a real treasure visual arts. Today this complex bears the title of one of the richest museums in the world. The most popular attractions of the museum are the aforementioned Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Stations. In total there are 54 galleries here.

The largest library in Rome, called the Vatican Apostolic Library. Founded in 1475. The library has gone through many eras, which allowed it to become one of the richest in manuscripts and collections. The library is still growing today. At present, it has over 1,600,000 classical books, 150,000 manuscripts, 100,000 prints and maps, and so on. The attraction has a rich interior and spacious reading rooms. There are all conditions for a pleasant pastime with a book. From a huge number of works, you are sure to find something interesting.

15. Capitoline Museums

One of the oldest museums in the world, founded in 1471 by order of Pope Sixtus IV. The Capitoline Museums in Rome were built on the famous Piazza del Campidoglio, standing on the Capitoline Hill. Museums are located in three palaces: the Senator's Palace, the Renaissance Palazzo Conservatori and the New Palace of the 17th century. Each museum has spacious halls where you can see works from different eras. Here you can enjoy Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, numerous statues and frescoes, as well as interesting archaeological finds. The main collections are presented in Palazza Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori. Thanks to rich history and unique collections, the Capitoline Museums are among the most visited in the world.

Rome - a beautiful city for lovers of art and culture. Almost everything in this city is saturated centuries of history. In Rome, there are sights of various eras: from the time of the Empire to the Renaissance. Among all the attractions it is worth highlighting: catholic churches, rich palaces, interesting museums, libraries and more. It is impossible to see all the sights of Rome in one week. That is why many tourists are not limited to one trip to this beautiful city. Having visited Rome once, you will definitely want to return there again.

In addition to the main attractions of Rome, described in all guidebooks, there are places in the Eternal City that are not known to every tourist. Below we have listed 5 of the most interesting and unusual sights in Rome that can cause genuine delight for curious travelers. And they explained how to get to them.

1 Keyhole on the Aventina

On the Aventine Hill (Colle dell'Aventino) you can look through the keyhole of the door that protects the Villa of the Order of Malta (Villa del Priorato di Malta). From this well, you can simultaneously see three states at once: the Vatican (St. Peter's Cathedral), the Order of Malta (which owns the villa and residence) and, directly, Italy itself between them.

It is easy to distinguish a hole with views from a simple keyhole: a pair of carabinieri is always on duty near it.

How to get there: the exact addressPiazza Pietro d "Illiria, metro Circo Massimo, territory of Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)

2. Magic door (Porta Magica)

Another interesting attraction - the Magic Door (or La Porta Alchemica - as it is called in Rome) is a magic door of 1680, located in the Villa Palombara near piazza Vittorio Emanuele (if you are staying at a hotel near Termini Station - It won't be hard to find this attraction.

According to the Romans, the formula for turning any metal into gold is written on this door. According to legend, in the 17th century, the alchemist and magician Francesco Giuseppe stopped to spend the night at the villa, who discovered a mysterious plant in the garden that could produce gold. The next morning, the guests of the villa discovered that the alchemist had disappeared, dissolving through the door, and on the door itself the mysterious formulas for turning metal into gold remained traced.

How to get there: piazza Vittorio Emanuele, territory of villa Palombara (free admission)

3. The illusion of the dome of St. Peter

Another curious discovery is the view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica from Villa Pamphili, from Piccolomini Street. From there you can see the dome of the cathedral, but if you move closer to it, the dome will decrease, and if you move away, the dome, on the contrary, will seem huge. This is unusual optical illusion has several explanations - why this happens - everyone has their own assumptions, the same effect is observed on the videos taken ... But it's worth watching live!

How to get there: villa Pamphili (villa Pamphili) is located in the Trastevere area, you can get there by tram number 8 from Venice Square (piazza Venezia)

4. Facade of the Zuccari Palace

An unusual and extravagant palace is located at via Gregoriana 30, near the Plaza of Spain (piazza di Spagna). In place of the main door - a huge monster! And all because the architect of the palace, Federico Zuccari, was once very impressed with the sculptures of monsters that he saw in the Bomarzo Park (near Rome). And Bomarzo Park, in turn, was built by the grief-stricken Prince Bomarzo after the death of his young wife ... Here is such an occasion for inspiration!

5. Pyramid of Cestius

Located near the Piramide metro station (blue line), this is perhaps the only surviving ancient pyramid in Europe. The Roman magistrate Gaius Cestius, who lived in the 1st century BC and was famous for his military campaigns in African countries, is buried here. During the African campaigns, he liked the Nubian tombs, and he wanted to be in the same after death.

This tomb was built not in the same way as in Egypt, but much simpler and cheaper, which is why it was built in just 330 days. Inside is concrete, and outside the pyramid is covered with white marble slabs and bricks. The height is not small - almost like a 9-storey building. The shape of the pyramid is wrong. In its center is a crypt in the form of a cube about 5 meters high.

From the outside, the Pyramid can be viewed at any time. Get inside - on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, at 11.00.

How to get there: Piramide metro station, blue line

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Rome Attractions - 10 the best places for visiting

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to grasp the immensity. There are so many interesting things in Rome, and as always there is not enough time. The only thing that can be advised to do in such a situation is not to rush and determine for yourself. Choose the most interesting sights of Rome that you have long dreamed of seeing and enjoy the beauty of this city. I want to present you 10 sights of Rome, as an option for reflection.

Rome Attractions - Vatican

Rome Attractions - Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

The most famous square Rome, it is also called the "heart of Rome". There are two churches on this square, one of which is the church of St. Agnes, 1652. And the second church of Santa Maria - del - Sacro - Cuore is a titular church, located opposite the Palazzo Pamphili, which was built in the XII century. Also on the square there are three fountains: the Fountain of the Moor, in the southern part of the square; fountain of Neptune, in the northern part of the square; Fountain of the Four Rivers, in the center of the square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, is the work of Bernini, and is an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by statues symbolizing the main rivers of the world: the Danube, Nile, Ganges and La Plata. There are several palaces on the square: Palazzo Braschi, built in 1792; Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650; Palazzo Torres Lanchelotti, built in 1552; Palazzo de Culis, built between 1450 - 1520. There are also two museums here - the ruins of an ancient stadium and the Museum of Rome, dedicated to the medieval and modern life of Rome, which is located in the Palazzo Braschi.

Rome Attractions - Spanish Steps

spanish stairs

This is a grand baroque staircase, which consists of 138 steps. The staircase starts from the Spanish Square and leads to the top of the Pincio hill to the church of Trinita dei Monti. This staircase was built by the little known architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725 and is officially called Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti, which literally means "staircase to Trinita dei Monti", although the people simply called it the Spanish Steps, and it has nothing to do with Spain. At the foot of the stairs is spanish square with a fountain in the form of a boat "Barkaccha".

Rome Attractions - Roman Forum

Roman forum

Perhaps I should have written a whole post about this place, maybe later I will. And in this, I will tell you very briefly. The Roman Forum is the center of Ancient Rome, the square with the buildings adjacent to it. On the square are located: the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Concordia, the Sanctuary of Venus - Cloacina. Arches: the arch of Titus, the arch of Septimius Severus and the arch of Teberia. Basilicas: Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine - the largest building of the Roman Forum, Basilica of Julia, Basilica of Aemilia. As well as other buildings: "Navel of the City", Regia, Rostra, Curia Julia, Tabularium, "Golden Milestone", Lapis Niger, House of Vestals, the main road Roman Forum, Phocas Column, Mamertine Prison, Vulcanal, Curtia Lake, Yuturna Spring, Agrippa Warehouses. There were also buildings on the forum that have not survived to this day: the Temple of Janus, the Temple of Jupiter Stator, Comitium, Acre Augustus, the Basilica of Portia, the Basilica of Sepmronius, the equestrian statue of Domitian and warehouses of spices.

Rome Attractions - Capitol

Capitol

The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome arose. Here is the Capitoline Church, which is also called the Capitol, where meetings of the Senate and people's meetings took place. Capitol Hill is the smallest of the seven hills, located near south coast the Tiber River, and reaches 46 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill stands the church of Santa Maria in Araceli, which can be reached by climbing stairs from the 122nd degree. At the base of this staircase, the ruins of a Roman insula have been preserved. From the side exit of the church you can get directly to Kapitolskaya Square. The ascent to Capitol Square is crowned or, as it were, guarded by two statues of Castor and Pollux. The entire Capitoline Square was designed by the well-known Michelangelo.

Sightseeing in Rome - Vittoriano

Vittoriano

This is a grandiose monument built in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Immanuel II. It is located on Venetian Square on the slopes of Capitol Hill. This is perhaps one of the most amazing attractions in Rome. A wide chic staircase leads directly to the Altar of the Fatherland and the Unknown Soldier, where the ashes of the unknown soldier who gave his life for the Motherland in the Great War of 1915-1918 are buried. There is a permanent guard of honor at this place. Above the chapel there is a statue of Rome in a niche, a bas-relief by Gianelli on the left and right, and fountains on both sides of the main staircase.

Pantheon

This is a temple dedicated to all the gods on Earth, a monument of centric-domed architecture from the dawn of the Roman Empire, built in the 2nd century. Latin inscription on the front of the building "M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consuls for the third time, erected this." In general, the Pantheon is the greatest engineering achievement ancient world. This architectural creation is located in Piazza della Rotonda. This brick, concrete building is covered with a hemispherical dome 43 meters in diameter. This dome consists of circles that are easy to calculate, and with the walls it forms a single shell, which forms the inner space. One of the features of the Pantheon is a hole in the roof, through which an obvious light pillar penetrates at noon, with a south orientation. Light does not spread, but remains in the form of a beam that you can almost touch.

Rome Attractions - Colosseum

The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the largest arenas of Ancient Rome, an architectural monument. This building was built over almost eight years in the period from 72 to 80 years and is considered a collective building of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. located in a hollow between the Palatine, Caelievsky and Exvilinsky hills, in the place where there once was a pond that belonged to the Golden House of Nero. Today it is considered a symbol of Rome and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And in 2007 he was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sights of Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is another architectural monument Rome. It was first a tomb, then a castle, then the residence of the popes and the repository of their valuables and at the same time a prison, and now it is an architectural monument and a museum. This building, which stood for almost two thousand years, was repeatedly rebuilt. Therefore, here you can find traces of different eras. The castle has a spiral gallery, papal apartments, the Angel's courtyard, the Hall of Justice, the courtyard of Alexander VI, the hall of Clement VII and VIII, the loggias of Paul III and IV, as well as the library, the Hall of Treasures and the Secret Archive. From the terrace of the castle opens great view to Rome.

Rome Attractions - Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

The largest fountain in Rome, its dimensions are almost 26 meters high and almost 20 meters wide. The fountain was made in the Baroque style between 1732 and 1762 by the architect Salvi. The Trevi Fountain adjoins the Palazzo Poli. This majestic facade of the palace and the fountain are perceived as a whole, so the whole structure seems even grander. Many believe that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, two coins will certainly meet your love, and if three, then there will be a wedding. Every year, utilities "catch a fish" at a cost of up to 700,000 euros. Be sure to visit the Trevi Font to throw a coin, then you will definitely return to this "Eternal" city.

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Rome is the city of seven hills. The southernmost of them - Aventine - is spread on one of the banks of the Tiber and sheltered many attractions. Usually tourists go to the Aventine to look at the ruins of the ancient circus, the pyramid of Cestius, admire the temples of San Sabina (5th century), Sant'Allesio (4th century) and others. And few people know that on the top of the hill, in the area of ​​the Knights of Malta, there is a unique keyhole. Looking into it, you can see three sovereign state entities at once - Italy, the Vatican and the Order of Malta.

Address: aventino hill

2. Orange garden on the Aventina

Going to the Aventine just for the sake of some kind of "hole", of course, is stupid. This place is also one of the most romantic places in Rome, Savello Park. Although locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is orange garden on the Aventina.

It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once stood (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure are still found among the trees.

Wonderful orange groves, slender cypress alleys and flowering oleanders create a unique atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, the garden ends with a terrace, from which great views on the Tiber, Trastevere, Janiculum and the Vatican.

P.S. Oranges are inedible - a wild variety.

Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina

3. Bartolucci store

For many decades now, in the Bartolucci family, the secrets of carpentry have been passed down from generation to generation: from grandfather to father, from father to son. After all, they have a family business on their shoulders - a wooden workshop Bartolucci.

Everything in this shop is wooden: from the cyclist Pinocchio, who meets visitors at the entrance, to women's jewelry. Toys, frames, caskets, watches, an exact copy of a motorcycle (!) And, of course, all kinds of figures of the Log Boy - the eyes run wide from the variety of wooden handicrafts. You will definitely not leave this store without a souvenir.

Address: Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website: bartolucci.com
Working mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00

4. Via dei Condotti

In the center the Italian capital lies one of the oldest and most famous Roman streets. In ancient times, it connected the Pincho hill with the Tiber and crossed the Via Flaminius. Her name is Via dei Condotti.

From the 18th century, this street began to acquire a halo of glitz and “glamour” – fashion shops and ateliers grew there like mushrooms after rain. Now the street houses boutiques of the most prestigious world brands - Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. The oldest fashion establishment in Via dei Condotti is the Bulgari atelier, opened more than a century ago, in 1905.

Among other attractions of this street - house number 11, where one of the inventors of the radio, Guglielmo Marconi, lived; house number 68 - the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta; as well as the famous cafe "Antiko Caffe Greco", where Lord Byron himself, Goethe, Liszt and Stendhal drank coffee.

Address: strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Wiki: Via dei Condotti

5. Market Porta Portese

If the glamor and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you feel bad, urgently go to the Trastevere area to one of the largest European flea markets(more than 1350 trays).

It originates at the gates of Porte Portese (which is why it is called so) and stretches as far as two streets - Via Ippolito Nievo and Via Portuense. It arose in the middle of the last century, after the end of World War II - unemployment and inflation forced people to sell personal belongings in order to somehow feed their families.

What is sold at Porta Portese today? In short, ALL. Old books, picture frames, furniture, used clothes, gramophones, telephones, toys, dishes, reproductions of paintings, watches (of all kinds), military patches... If you wish, you can find any, including rare, goods there. Prices, as expected in the market, do not bite, and you can always negotiate with merchants.

Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Working mode: every Sunday

The ancient Romans used to say "Habent sua fata libelli", which means "Books have their destiny". This saying means that one should not rashly judge literary works (perhaps the descendants will appreciate the "masterpieces" of Daria Dontsova).

As if a mute reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (aka the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It represents two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain not far from the masterpiece of the Roman baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Borromini University of Rome.

Address: Via degli Staderari

7. Square Colosseum

This place, for political reasons, is not included in any of the guides to Rome. The World Expo quarter - Esposizione Universale Roma or EUR - was built in the southwest of Rome in 1943-1945 by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the World's Fair scheduled for 1942.

One of the symbols of the "fascist era" was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the "Square Colosseum" (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to the ancient amphitheater: for example, the loggias on the facade of the palace, located in six rows of nine arches each. As such structures are supposed to be, the marble palace is impressive in size - 68 meters high, area - 8,400 sq.m.

The World Exhibition in Rome did not take place then, and the EURO quarter and the "Square Colosseum" are still standing. By the way, the latter has appeared on movie screens more than once (for example, in The Last Man on Earth in 1964).

Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Wiki: World Expo Quarter

8. Pizzeria "Buffetto's"

What is Italy without pizza? One of the most delicious is prepared in Pizzeria Da Baffetto restaurants (there are only two in Rome). This is a family business, which has been headed by Buffetto's grandfather for half a century. He knows a lot about pizza: the dough should be thin and fluffy, and the filling should be fresh and juicy.

Tourists have a life hack: go to places where locals eat. So, at Buffetto's, both of them are happy to dine. After all, for 20-25 euros you get first-class Italian pizza, piping hot (prepared right in front of visitors), beer and a great mood. The only problem is that getting into this pizzeria is not so easy because of the huge queues.

Addresses: Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it

9. Museum of Art of the 21st Century

National Museum Arts Center of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is quite young (opened in May 2010), but, as it should be, ambitious. The MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called "pasta" by the Romans, was built by Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. The construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.

Or rather art and architecture of the future. The exhibition halls of MAXXI present photographs, installations, prototypes and models of houses, streets and entire cities in which we will live in a couple of decades. In addition, the museum has a conference room, a library and a workshop. Do you want to imagine the future of your children? Head to Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Art.

Address: via Guido Reni, 4 A, metro station Flaminio
Website: fondazionemaxxi.it
Working mode: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday - from 11:00 to 19:00; Thursday, Saturday - from 11:00 to 22:00

Italy is the birthplace of Ferrari. Its headquarters is located in Maranello, and in the capital there is the largest store of the world famous brand. Car fans will go crazy with this place: key chains, watches, shoes, clothes, toys and hundreds of other items with Ferrari symbols.

Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, bite: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.

By the way, you can also ride a real Ferrari through the streets of Rome - the rental service is very popular there.

Address: Via Tomacelli, 147
Website: store.ferrari.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00

11. Cloaca Maxima

The exact date of its construction is not known for certain (either the 4th or the 7th century BC), but this is definitely one of the most ancient and unique structures of this kind. Sewerage in Rome began to be actively built under Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, who paid great attention to the infrastructure of the city.

It is during his reign that the construction of the Great Cloaca is most often attributed. To do this, they invited Etruscan craftsmen and dug a canal 800 meters long, 3 meters wide and 4 meters high between the Palatine and Capitol hills. Cloaca Maxima was originally open, then covered with wooden decks and then paved with Gabi stone.

And to this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.

Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinski bridges.
Wiki: Cloaca Maxima

12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo

Aventine, Viminal, Capitol, Quirinal, Palatine, Caelius, Esquiline… Stop! Where is Gianicolo? Alas, this peak is not one of the famous seven Roman hills, as it is historically located outside the city walls. And in vain, because there are also many ancient monuments here: the monastery of Sant'Onofrio, the Gianicolo lighthouse, Villa Aurelia and others.

But the main reason why it is worth visiting Gianicolo Hill is - Observation deck. It offers just a crazy view of His Majesty Rome.

Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

13. Gelateria blue ice

Gelateria Blu Ice is a chain of ice cream parlors. The Romans say, and the tourists confirm that it is in these establishments that the best Italian ice cream is. These cafes do not just sell - they produce ice cream. Therefore, in Blu Ice, an ice treat is always fresh for every taste - with fruits, nuts, chocolate, puffed rice, coconut flakes ...

Prices are quite reasonable - from 150 to 350 rubles. Another undoubted plus is that the cafe is open at night. So gelateria Blu Ice is a paradise not only for children, but also for adults, among whom, as you know, there are many sweet teeth.

Addresses:

• Via di S. Prassede, 11/bis;
• Via dei Baullari, 130;
• Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
• Viale Ottaviano, 7;
• Via S. Agnes in Agone, 20;
• Via Sistina, 122, etc.

Website: blueiceitalia.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00

Art lovers will not be bored in Rome - the Vatican Museum, the Borghese Galleries, the Barberini and dozens of other exquisite places. However, lovers of spicy (in this case, in literally words) of sensations, there is also something to visit in the capital of Italy - Museo Criminologico awaits them.

This is the building of the former prison, and now a historical exposition that tells about criminals and applied to them in different times measures of punishment. So, in ancient Rome, offenders were not particularly ceremonial: they were executed, given into slaves or appointed as a gladiator.

During the Inquisition, there were their own methods of justice:

In short, in this museum you will probably learn more about Good and Evil than in any art museum.

Address: via Gonfalone, 29

15. Shelter of cats

Roman cats. Shelter for stray cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations of the temple complex of the times of the Roman Republic, in Torre Argentina Square.

Nevertheless, the fact remains: stray cats live among the remains of ancient temples and dilapidated statues. And for completely legal reasons. When local residents and authorities learned that stray tailed whiskered creatures had chosen the Argentine ruins, they decided not to drive away the cats, but to organize a shelter for them. Now it has several hundred inhabitants, who are cared for by volunteers. Each visitor to this unusual cattery can help the animals with a "ruble" (in the sense of the euro) by buying local souvenirs.

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina

16. Enoteca Costantini

Continuing the theme gastronomic travel It is impossible not to talk about Italian wine. In this sunny country 20 regions and each (!) Of them produces its own wine. Its unique wine, which differs in taste, aroma, terroir and production technologies.

You can try different varieties of Italian wines in the enoteca Costantini. This is a real wine treasury, where thousands of bottles of various brands and aging are stored. You can buy wine and take it with you, or taste it on the spot, in a local restaurant.

Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Working mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00

17. Monument to the Pope

In Rome, not far from the Termini station, there is a monument to John Paul II. Such a solid sculpture - 5.50 m in height, real bronze, silver plating. It would seem that what is special here, where, if not in the capital, to build monuments to the Popes?

But the inhabitants of the Eternal City rebelled - "We don't need such a Pope!" The Romans did not like the appearance of the pontiff: a round head, like a ball, and an almost complete absence of a neck. At the same time, the posture of the monument, as conceived by the author, symbolizes the universal concern of John Paul II for humanity.

Robert De Niro, who played one of the members of the Sicilian Corleone crime family, once said: “Italy has changed a long time ago. But Rome is Rome.

Really city with thousand years of history difficult to change. And it is not easy for a tourist coming to the capital of Italy to see another, not only historical, Rome. We hope that with our help you will succeed.

Share in the comments the unique Roman places you know that you must see.