Who doesn’t enjoy knowing some hidden gems before travelling to a new destination? And when the destination is Rome, it’s even more important! That’s why we gathered some hidden gems to share with you, you, so you can visit them during your unforgettable trip to the capital of Italy!!
1. The Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
If you are visiting the historical centre of Rome, you will be just a few steps away from the magnificent Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, which is near the famous Pantheon. The church is dedicated to St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and the construction of this masterpiece took place between 1626 and 1650, and since hasn’t stopped amazing tourists from all over the world.
What the tourists love about this church is the fresco ceiling by the Baroque painter Andrea Pozzo, and to better admire it and photograph it, the church has placed a mirror just under it, so that you don’t have to look up!
2. The Church of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale
Sant’Andrea al Quirinale is a small church in the historical centre of Rome that you should visit if you love the baroque architecture want to go off the beaten tourist path. This church is a small jewel designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and built between 1658 and 1670. If you visit, you will probably meet some architecture student who are sketching this architectural masterpiece!
3. Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome
This ancient square features the remains of four Republican-era temples and part of Pompey’s Theater, where Julius Caesar was assassinated. What’s also interesting, is that today this place is home to a colony of stray cats, called “Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary“, hosting around 150 cats. If you are a lover of history and cats you can’t miss this!
4. The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta
If you really want to discover a true hidden gem of Rome, you should go on the Aventine Hill and look for the keyhole of the Knights of Malta. Looking through this tiny keyhole, you’ll find a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica, beautifully aligned with the Villa del Priorato di Malta’s garden pathway.