When you think of Rome, chances are images of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica pop into your mind.
And for good reason—these attractions are essential experiences that you won’t regret adding to your bucket list!
But here’s a little secret for you…
Unusual Things To Do In Rome
Rome is home to some hidden beautiful spots just waiting for adventurous travelers who wish to go beyond the usual sights.
Can you picture wandering the streets and unknowingly encountering one of the Roman “Statue Parlanti” (Talking Statues)?
These statues were created by locals to voice their grievances against the government anonymously.
How cool is that?
Also, throughout the city, you’ll find many mysterious, lesser-known artworks hidden in plain sight.
I’m thrilled at the thought of guiding you on a quest to uncover Rome’s unusual treasures!
We’ll venture beyond the typical tourist trails and delve into the enchantment and mysteries of this magnificent city.
Every corner has a captivating story to tell, my friend.
So what do you say?
Are you ready to explore the secret, magical side of the Eternal City?
I promise you’ll be amazed by the surprises that await you.
It will be like gaining access to the hidden heart of Rome!
Let’s discover together.
More Travel Info:
How to Visit Rome in 3 Days!
Planning a Trip to Italy
Best Time to Visit Italy
Traveling by Train in Italy
Experience the Piccola Londra (Little London)
Let’s start with “La Piccola Londra” (Little London)—but don’t get the wrong idea; I don’t think it’s a must-see.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Inspired by influencers on Instagram, I was curious to visit this neighborhood in the Flaminio district, touted as a place that transports you straight to London!
It was described as a charming area that combines British elegance with classic Italian flair.
The streets are lined with buildings exuding a distinct London style.
You’ll find wrought-iron balconies, sash windows, and fantastic architectural details reminiscent of the Victorian era.
However, I must say, I was a bit let down.
It’s essentially a private residential area, which makes it hard to take photos or videos of the English-style homes up close.
If you’re in the neighborhood and want to take a glimpse, go ahead. But if you’re traveling across half of Rome just to see “La Piccola Londra,” it’s probably not worth the effort.
Unusual Things to Do in Rome: Bar Canova Tadolini
Instead, I suggest visiting this amazing little spot in Rome that I stumbled upon during my last trip—it’s called “Bar Canova Tadolini,” and I absolutely fell in love with it.
Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time to the heart of Italian art and culture.
This was once the workspace of two incredibly talented sculptors, Antonio Canova and Adamo Tadolini.
Can you imagine? These masters were crafting marble right where you can now enjoy an espresso or sip a glass of wine.
It’s incredible!
As soon as you enter, you’re enveloped by their artistic creations—sculptures, sketches, and more.
It’s like your personal museum that feels cozy and inviting.
The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated; it’s the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch or unwind with friends during the aperitivo.
What’s even more fantastic is the bar’s location.
Bar Canova Tadolini is situated on the charming Via del Babuino, right next to the popular Piazza del Popolo.
So you can spend an entire day exploring nearby attractions and then retreat to this artistic haven for a well-deserved break.
Unusual Things to Do in Rome: Palazzo Zuccari
Next up is Palazzo Zuccari, located in the charming Rione Ludovisi, famously dubbed the “Monster House.”
This building has a facade adorned with eerie masks and monsters—it’s almost too surreal for words, but in the coolest way possible.
When you enter, you feel as if you’ve stepped into an art gallery that’s as unique and unconventional as the palace itself.
The gallery showcases contemporary artists, so your next visit might surprise you with avant-garde masterpieces.
Palazzo Zuccari is the ideal setting to unleash your creativity and indulge in the cutting edge of Roman art.
To be honest, though, you really have to experience Palazzo Zuccari firsthand to fully grasp its charm.
It’s truly one of a kind and a mesmerizing example of how Italians infuse their work with art and architecture.
If you’re looking for the address, it’s Via Gregoriana, 28, 00187 Rome.
Chiesa del Gesù: Baroque Splendor
Now, get ready for one of the most spectacular sights in Rome!
At Chiesa del Gesù (Jesus Church), you’ll encounter an amazing device called the “Macchina Barocca” (Baroque Machine), reminiscent of something from an Indiana Jones movie.
Every afternoon around 5:30 PM, the high altar transforms into a theatrical spectacle.
A large painting takes center stage, and suddenly… boom!
Through a clever system of pulleys and curtains, the painting dramatically reveals a statue of St. Ignatius!
It’s like the church is performing a personalized show just for you.
One moment there’s a painting, and the next, a sculpture appears as if by magic.
The entire experience radiates that classic Baroque flair with its drama and dazzling visual effects.
Can you imagine witnessing this surreal machine for the first time? It must have completely astounded audiences!
Even today, visitors are left awestruck as the statue materializes behind the canvas.
If you’re in Rome, catching the Baroque Machine in action is an absolute must. Head to Gesù Church at Piazza del Gesù in the late afternoon and prepare to be amazed.
It’s Baroque art and engineering at its most extraordinary!
Galleria Spada: An Optical Illusion
Art and architecture enthusiasts, this one’s for you!
I’m talking about the mesmerizing Borromini Gallery hidden away in Rome’s Piazza Navona neighborhood.
Did somebody say “hidden gem”?
This unassuming contemporary art gallery is situated inside a 17th-century palace designed by Francesco Borromini himself.
If you’re unfamiliar with the name, think of him as the Baroque period’s master of whimsical architecture.
He loved to play mind games with his structures.
The facade is adorned with intricate columns and geometry that hint at Borromini’s creative genius.
But nothing could prepare you for the visual illusion within the gallery.
Just wait until you see it.
There’s a hallway that seems to stretch on endlessly into the distance.
It appears to be an impossibly long corridor.
Yet, as you walk through it, you’ll realize it’s much shorter than it seems!
Borromini was a true genius, I tell you.
After having your perception completely altered, you can explore the contemporary art exhibits with various thought-provoking installations from Italian and international artists.
It’s definitely a place where interesting conversations spark!
I’m not an art connoisseur, but I absolutely adored this quirky gallery.
It’s a perfect spot to embrace your inner oddball and have your mind pleasantly challenged by Borromini’s innovative perspective and modern artistic expressions.
Just plan to spend a good chunk of time getting delightfully lost within Borromini Gallery—you won’t regret it!
Orto Botanico di Roma: Botanical Oasis
You know how Rome can sometimes feel overwhelming?
One minute you’re surrounded by throngs of tourists, and the next you’re engulfed by the chaotic noise of scooters zipping by.
It can make you want to retreat into a serene green oasis just to catch your breath, right?
Well, the city’s Botanical Garden serves as a perfect refuge from the urban frenzy.
This place is akin to that magical forest from those nostalgic ’90s fantasy films where the protagonist finally finds peace.
Instead of animated creatures, here you can admire some truly impressive plant life.
I’m talking about towering trees that have stood since your ancestors roamed the earth, exotic tropical flowers that look straight out of an Avatar sequel, and fragrant herbs that’ll make you whisper “Mamma mia!”
This garden has it all in full bloom and vibrant glory.
Instead of rushing through, take your time to walk the beautifully manicured paths at a leisurely pace.
Stop to literally smell the roses, do a few sun salutations amidst the greenery—whatever your heart desires.
The garden features a fantastic greenhouse called “Casa Delle Farfalle” (Butterfly House), where biologists guide you through showcasing the various butterfly species inside.
There are also themed areas, allowing you to traverse multiple continents in just one afternoon.
One moment you’re meandering through a dry desert-like setting, and the next, you’re enveloped in a misty cloud forest habitat.
But honestly, just finding a quiet spot to sit back and unwind, surrounded by nature’s vibrant hues and delightful aromas, is a wonderfully restorative experience.
Be sure to head to Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23A to immerse yourself in this luscious oasis.
Rome’s Botanical Garden is essentially a reset button amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
Your mind and soul will undoubtedly thank you for it!
Il Cuore di Nerone in Piazza San Pietro
If you’re planning a visit to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, keep your eyes peeled for a hidden gem.
I’m talking about “Er Core de Nerone” – Nero’s Heart.
At first glance, the square appears to be a vast expanse of quintessential Roman cobblestones (“sanpietrini”), right?
But nestled among the countless little basalt stones, there’s one shaped like a heart.
No one knows for sure who placed it there or why, but that hasn’t stopped wild theories from popping up.
Some believe it symbolizes God’s love for the world, while others think Michelangelo carved it in heartbreak from a lost love.
Some even contend that a woman, mourning for her wrongfully imprisoned husband, created it.
Regardless of its origin, this heart-shaped stone has quietly become a symbol of love and hope for those who know its story.
The legend suggests that if you and your significant other find the heart-shaped stone together in perfect harmony, your love is destined to last forever.
How cool is that?
A tiny, secret detail amid all the grandeur of the Vatican.
Here’s what you do—head to the “Vento di Libeccio” tile (the south-westerly wind marker for those unfamiliar with Italian).
Then stroll toward St. Peter’s Basilica, squinting as you walk.
If you have sharp eyes, you might catch that little heart stone winking up at you.
Finding this hidden treasure creates a strangely satisfying scavenger hunt amid all the historical landmarks.
Prospettiva del Colonnato di San Pietro: Optical Views
This is one of the true highlights of the Vatican—St. Peter’s Colonnade.
This stunning masterpiece of marble is arguably the most recognized monument in all of Rome.
When viewed from a certain angle, the colonnade appears to align perfectly into a single line of sight.
Designed by the Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, this semi-circular structure features not just four but four full rows of towering Doric columns forming that iconic embrace around St. Peter’s Square.
We’re talking 284 columns and 88 pillars—it’s like the grandest classical arcade you could imagine!
Bernini himself described these outstretched “arms” as a way for the Church to wrap its loving embrace around the faithful.
But here’s where it gets even cooler.
If you stand at the “Centro del Colonnato,” one of the focal points of the square, and gaze through the columns, something astonishing occurs.
Suddenly, those multiple rows meld into a single line.
It’s a mesmerizing optical illusion!
This mind-bending effect arises because St. Peter’s Square is designed in an elliptical shape, and the “Centro del Colonnato” (the vanishing point) is one of the two focal points of that ellipse, creating that intriguing perspective.
Bernini was an expert at using perspective tricks to amaze onlookers.
Today, tourists gather at this special viewpoint, gaping in wonder as the colonnade seemingly collapses into itself.
Orologio ad Acqua del Pincio: Water Clock
Next, let’s look at a fascinating little treasure tucked away in the famed Villa Borghese park.
I’m referring to the “Orologio ad Acqua Del Pincio” (Pincio Water Clock), a remarkable invention by an 1800s craftsman and engineer.
The brilliant mind behind it was a Dominican friar named Gian Battista Embriaco, who had a passion for both art and intricate mechanics.
In 1867, he combined these two interests to create an extraordinary clock.
I know what you’re thinking—how elaborate does a water clock need to be? But trust me, Embriaco pushed the boundaries.
This entire contraption comprises only wood, stone, and water—no batteries or electronics, just pure hydraulic ingenuity.
It operates as water flows from a nearby fountain, energizing a series of gears, wheels, and who-knows-what-else.
All those rotating components function harmoniously, keeping the clock hands moving perfectly on time.
The overall design features graceful curves and classic Roman stonework aesthetics.
It looks like it was plucked from a utopian clockmaker’s wildest dreams.
You’ll find this hidden gem near the Galoppatoio area of Villa Borghese, nestled amid the shaded park pathways.
Just keep your eyes peeled for what looks like a piece of baroque outdoor furniture filled with rotating gears and wooden mechanisms.
Once you spot it, you could easily spend hours mesmerized by the way nature’s elements power this remarkable creation. Truly mesmerizing!
Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio: Macabre Beauty
Don’t miss visiting “La Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio” (The Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage) while in the Prati area.
This church defies architectural norms and exudes a spiritual presence that is both intriguing and profound.
It’s known by a few nicknames that encapsulate its haunting atmosphere.
It’s often referred to as the “Church of the Souls in Purgatory” and the “Piccolo Duomo di Milano” (Little Milan Cathedral)—both names make perfect sense once you see it.
The facade is striking, with eerie statues protruding from the walls, depicting souls suffering as they emerge from purgatory.
Heavy metal vibes, right?
The eerie atmosphere intensifies when you step inside.
The walls are adorned with unsettling biblical scenes and portrayals of souls tormented in the afterlife.
It’s like a heavy metal album cover come to life through frescoes.
But perhaps the most shocking feature is a chapel dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory, where urns hold the prayers written by the deceased.
I’m talking about genuine handwritten notes from loved ones who have passed—how eerie is that?
Even if you aren’t religious, the haunting beauty and heartfelt devotion reflected in this place are undeniable.
It feels like the church was designed to humble visitors through its mystical power.
If you appreciate the darker, more thought-provoking aspects of religious architecture and art, make sure to add the Sacred Heart of Suffrage to your Roman itinerary.
Just be ready to absorb some profoundly unsettling vibes while you’re there!
You can find this intriguing church at Lungotevere Prati.
Giardino degli Aranci: A Romantic Retreat
If you need a peaceful green space to escape the constant chaos of Rome, you have to visit “Il Giardino degli Aranci” on Aventine Hill.
This little haven is just what your overstimulated nerves need.
While officially called “Parco Savello,” everyone refers to it as “Giardino degli Aranci” (the Orange Garden).
And believe me, it truly lives up to its zesty name!
Lush orange trees fill the park, saturating the air with their refreshing aromas.
It feels like nature itself has provided a delightful fragrance and ambiance just for you.
While the floral scents are certainly fantastic, the stunning views also deserve their time in the spotlight.
Picture-perfect vistas of the Roman skyline await you—including that iconic view of St. Peter’s dome, a postcard-worthy sight.
This place is the perfect blend of romance and beauty, all in one small spot.
Pack up a tasty picnic and enjoy an afternoon at the Giardino degli Aranci.
Find a shady spot, pour yourself a glass of local wine, and take in those breathtaking views and scents.
Your tensions will melt away in no time.
And if you’re not into couple-y moments or cheesy selfies, no worries—this garden is equally perfect for a peaceful solo stroll to clear your mind.
The tranquil atmosphere makes it one of Rome’s best-kept secrets for restoration.
To reach the Giardino degli Aranci, head to Piazza Pietro d’Illiria on Aventine Hill; you’ve arrived at your personal Roman retreat!
Buco della Serratura dell’Ordine di Malta: Secret Keyhole
Just a short walk from the beautiful Giardino degli Aranci, you’ll find one of Rome’s most underrated photographic gems.
We’re talking about the iconic “Buco della Serratura dell’Ordine di Malta” (Keyhole View).
Here’s how to find it: exit the fragrant orange groves, take a right, and you’ll arrive at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
Seems simple enough, right? But wait—
Set into the grand metal door of the “Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta” (old Knights of Malta headquarters) is a tiny keyhole.
I’m talking about something the size of your pinkie finger.
Now here’s the magic—if you bend down and peek through that keyhole, voila!
You’ll discover what might just be the most perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Dome in the entire city.
It’s like heaven opened up a little aperture for you!
You’ll see the iconic basilica beautifully framed by lush trees from the Orange Garden in the foreground.
And the best part?
No crowds to contend with at this totally free, super Instagrammable viewpoint!
You might need to dodge a few distracted tourists, but that’s all part of the fun.
So if you want to impress your social media followers with some effortless, picturesque depth, make sure to stop by the Keyhole View at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 4.
Get ready to feel like a privileged insider as you frame that gorgeous shot through the tiny peephole. Bellissimo!
Overall Thoughts on Unusual Things to Do in Rome
Alright, let’s get straight to the point: if you want to uncover the true quirks of Rome, you need to venture off the beaten path.
We’re talking about sidestepping the Colosseum crowds and Vatican lines to seek out the city’s bizarre, eerie, and undeniably obscure gems.
Trust me, once you lift the veil on those iconic attractions, you’ll discover a hidden world of unusual sights and experiences that will delight you in the best possible ways.
This city is full of visually stunning and existentially disorienting surprises waiting around every corner.
And let’s not forget the myriad quirky, forgotten nooks and oddities that most tourists simply overlook.
From chapels filled with bones to mind-bending architectural illusions, and secret keyhole vistas to ancient, overgrown ruins, the weird side of Rome is just begging to be explored.
You haven’t truly experienced the Eternal City until you’ve taken that off-the-beaten-path journey into its delightfully strange undercurrents.
Swap those basic itineraries for an adventurous spirit, and who knows what extraordinary discoveries lie in wait?
So, step away from the crowds and explore the lesser-known treasures of Rome.
Before you know it, you’ll find the extraordinary gems hidden just out of sight. You just need to know where to wander…
If you need tips on finding these quirky treasures, feel free to reach out via Instagram, Facebook, or drop a comment below.
I’m always eager to share the enchanting side of Rome with fellow adventurers.
Ciao and buon viaggio!
