Those who have been to Rome would always tell how expensive Italy’s capital is, and that it is very secretive city with lots of hidden gems tucked in quiet places. Thankfully, most of the hidden wonders are costless, making the wanderers more thrilled upon stumbling into one. Here, you will discover the best free stuff Rome has to offer.
1. Hunt Caravaggio gems
One of Italy’s most celebrated painters was Michelangelo Merisi, or known to the world as Caravaggio who died in 1610 at the age of 38. He was one of the greatest influences on Baroque painting and you can see some of his original great works in Rome. A few of the locals favorite are the one in Cerasi Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and in the Contarelli Chapel in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.
2. Visit museums on a Sunday!
The Vatican museums open their doors to the public for free on the last Sunday of each month, so get in line early. You can also check out Villa di Massenzio or Villa of Maxentius on Via Appia Antica or Ancient Appian Way, which was created in celebration of the Roman Emperor Maxentius. Marvel at the open-air ruins with the remains of the Circus and the Mausoleo di Romolo.
3. Marvel at Italy’s magnificent sculptural masterpieces
Rome’s artworks can be overwhelming. Many of them are scattered all throughout the city and one of the most famous is Michelangelo’s La Pietà. A lot of people suffer in queue just to witness Michelangelo’s first and most celebrated work, the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ in her arms right after his death. The work of art is now housed inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t visit there during the summer, July to August, to avoid the huge crowd. You can also see some of his works in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli on Via Cavour, the Mosè. More free sculpture includes Bernini’s Transverberazione di santa Teresa d’Avila that can be found inside the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria on Via XX Settembre.
4. Soak up the view at the Giardino degli Aranci and the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta
Have a short walk from Circo Massimo to the lovely Giardino degli Aranci or the Garden of the Oranges, a.k.a. Parco Savello. Be amazed with the beautiful orange trees lining the park, in which a lot of people take shade and enjoy a good book. You can also check out the headquarters of the Cavalieri di Malta or Knights of Malta, peek through the keyhole and witness the beautiful garden path that frames a perfect view of St. Peter’s in the distance.
5. Explore the Monti Vintage Market
You shouldn’t miss out on Rome’s many pop-up markets or known to the locals as mercatini. Get lost in the cobblestone streets of the Monti Vintage Market and have that quintessential Italian feels. The mercatini is filled with quaint shops and is a perfect spot for strolling and people-watching. At night, join the locals and tourists alike as they chill on the steps of the fountain in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, just off the famous Via dei Serpenti.
6. Take a hike to Gianicolo
Enjoy a stunning panorama of Rome from Gianicolo hill that is adorned with a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi and is a favorite rendezvous for the younger crowd. At noon, a single shot of cannon is blasted to mark the middle of the day or just simply means it is lunchtime.
7. Have a stroll from the Colosseo all the way to the Trevi Fountain
There’s no other better way to soak the beauty of Rome than to walk under its sun and just take in everything. Fortunately, Rome’s historic center is very much walkable. Start at the Colosseo to the Fori Imperiali or Roman Forum, then straight to Piazza Venezia and its Altare della Patria or what the Romans call as the wedding cake. From there, follow the signs from Via del Corso that will take you to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. End your beautiful stroll at Piazza del Popolo and with some scoops of gelato.
8. Discover the Coppedè neighbourhood
Many didn’t know but this neighborhood not too far from the Central Rome offers a fairytale-like architecture filled with stone gargoyles and frescoes. Start strolling at the fountain in the center of the Fontana delle Rane or Fountain of the Frogs. The details are so inspiring and surprising as well so don’t forget to bring your camera with you.
9. Spend a day in the Roman villas
Stroll, bike, or have a picnic in Rome’s villas that has many monuments amazing structures. Villa Borghese, Villa Ada and Villa Pamhilj has lakes, trees and a lot of awesome views that will relax you.
10. Put your hand in the Mouth of Truth
Locally known as La Bocca della Verità, this marble carving depicts the face of a man with an open mouth, which according to the legend is the god of the river Tiber, that became famous through Audrey Hepburn’s movie Roman Holiday.
