Rome’s lesser-known attractions:

The Basilica of San Clemente

Basilica San Clemente

One of my favourite monuments in Rome, the Basilica of San Clemente was once a private home used for Christian worship in the 1^st century AD before becoming a proper church in the 6^th century and finally evolving into the present basilica at the turn of the 12^th century.

Start at the main level and make your way to the subterranean pagan temple of Mithras for a journey back in time to the ancient city of Rome.

The San Clemente Basilica is in Piazza San Clemente, tucked behind the colosseum, via Via Di San Giovanni in Laterano. 

Scavi Tour under St. Peter’s Basilica

Before the massive and imposing Basilica of St. Peter was built, a smaller church was commissioned by Emporer Constantine in 333 AD. A tour takes you 12 metres below the basilica, where you can see the ruins of the ancient church and the most sacred area in the whole of the Vatican, where St. Peter was buried. This tour must be booked directly through the Vatican at the following link.

Catacombs

The Catacombs of Rome are almost all located along the Via Appia Antica, or the Appian Way. This historic road is believed to be where Christ appeared to Peter as he fled Rome in the days of the Christian persecutions. Reach the Appia Antica catacombs by Metro line A to the “San Giovanni” stop and from there, take bus 218 outbound to the Via Appia Antica.

Capuchin Crypt – the “Bone Church”

Borghese Gallery

Commonly referred to as the “Bone Church”, the lower level of the Santa Maria della Concezione church in Piazza Barberini houses an interesting collection of bones. Capuchin monks took the bones of their dearly departed friars and used them to decorate six rooms that branch off from a single hallway. A video tour of the crypt can be seen here.

Borghese Gallery Museum

No matter what your appreciation for art, the collection of sculptures by Baroque Master Gian Lorenzo Bernini deserves your time and your 8 Euros. You’ll also find paintings by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio to name only a few. The Borghese Gallery is located at Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5.

Danielle Russo is a coordinator of Rome and Vatican Tours. She lives in Rome, Italy and writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance as well as WhenInRomeTours.com.

First Time in the City of Rome? Read “One Weekend in Rome – the Sights You Can’t Afford to Miss” here.

The problem with Rome is that it’s so beautiful, so busy and so completely dripping with history that people get carried away. It’s so difficult to narrow down Rome’s highlights that guides squeeze in an extra one, or two, or three…but then feel guilty for leaving something else off…and add another back in.

I’m going to be strong. If you only have one weekend in Rome, then these are the absolute essentials. Otherwise, you reach the end of your 48 hours disappointed that you missed something crucial, like…

The Colosseum, By stuckincustoms

1) The Colosseum

After almost 2000 years, the largest amphitheatre in the entire Roman Empire still stands (mostly). Through its sweeping oval curves and cascading tiers of arches, the colosseum demonstrates the might – and the intimidation – that was ancient Rome. Walk where gladiators once did during the day and then drive past at sunset, to see this beautiful menace illuminated against the sky.

2) The Sistine Chapel

The hand of God stretching out to infuse life into Adam must be one of the most well-known images in both the world of art – and the world of souvenir shops. Created by Michelangelo on the ceiling of a private papal chapel, this masterpiece has earned its convoluted queues and waiting times. Happily, while waiting, you shuffle through the opulent corridors of the Vatican Museum, allowing you a brief glimpse into the immense collections of art and wealth gathered by the Catholic Church.

Creation of Adam, The Sistine Chapel

To see the entire fresco come to life above your head is an unforgettable experience, far more rewarding – in my opinion – than the Mona Lisa in Paris.

3) St Peter’s Basilica

The church that, according to tradition, marked the grave of St Peter has grown over the centuries into a resplendent monument that seats over 60 000 people for a single service. Sunshine slants through its magnificent dome onto the panelled marble floor with absolute radiance – a spectacle that reminds you once again of the extraordinary influence that this corner of the world continues to exert.

4) The Pantheon

The Pantheon - By j*photog

Those columns and those chiselled letters define the image of ancient Rome – at least in my head from the storybooks I read as a child. Inside this exalted tomb, you can find some cool relief from the hot, traffic-logged streets and admire the graceful elegance that has survived through 20 centuries.

There, that’s it. That’s my list of essentials.

Once you’ve seen those, relax and feel free to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain for luck, drift past the Spanish steps or simply relax in one of the many sunlit piazzas.

Rome has plenty to offer for a weekend city break. So much, in fact, that you may decide to come back for another weekend in Rome…