The Magic of Rome – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

Rome is filled with many world-famous tourist attractions, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. But it is also home to many lesser-known but unique attractions, such as the fab five listed below: 

Enjoy a Spirited Adventure in the Capuchin Crypt

If you have a taste for the macabre, you’ll want to put the Capuchin Crypt on your itinerary. Located under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, this crypt contains the skeletal and mummified remains of approximately 3,700 Capuchin friars. The bones and skulls of these friars have been used to “decorate” the six chambers of the crypt, which is also sometimes referred to — for obvious reasons — as the Bone Chapel.   

Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina  

This archeological site contains the remains of four different temples, as well as the Theatre of Pompey, which is where Julius Caesar was betrayed and murdered by a group of Roman senators on the Ides of March. Surprisingly, the Largo di Torre Argentina is typically overlooked by tourists — which is actually a testament to the fact that Rome has so many famous attractions that even one as historically important as this can just fade into the background. On an interesting side note, the Largo di Torre Argentina is also home to a popular cat sanctuary.   

Check Out Trastevere 

Trastevere is a lively Medieval neighborhood known for being home to some of the best trattorias and pubs in Rome. Lively chatter fills the air, and street artists entertain the crowds. Although Trastevere has long been popular with locals, it has also become increasingly popular with tourists. If you’ll be visiting Rome during the summer months, make sure to walk down the steps to the walkway that runs alongside the Tiber River. That’s where you’ll find the Lungo iL Tevere festival with its many artists, vendors, and dining options. 

Admire the Pyramid of Cestius

While viewing a pyramid may not be the first thing you think about doing while in Rome, the Eternal City does have one. Called the Pyramid of Cestius, this structure was built as a tomb for an important Roman named Gaius Cestius around 18-12 BC. The 120-foot-tall building is the only Egyptian-style pyramid remaining in Rome today. For many years, the Pyramid of Cestius’ interior was closed to visitors. But that changed in 2015. Now, the pyramid, which is located across from the Pyramid Train Station, is open every second and fourth Saturday each month for visitors, who must make arrangements in advance.

Stroll through the Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is arguably Rome’s most famous open-air market. Established in 1869, this outdoor market is open from Monday to Saturday, from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Here, you’ll find vendors selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, as well as clothing and crafts. Along the edges of the market and on the nearby streets, you’ll also find shops selling baked goods, sandwiches, and some of the best cured meats and cheeses in Rome. A few of these shops have actually been in business for 100 or so years.