Rome, the eternal city, probably the most famous in the whole world. Everyone or almost everyone has been to Rome at least once in their lifetime, and if you have never been, it is best to do so as soon as possible. There are so many things to see in the capital and you probably already know that places like the Colosseum and its surroundings, museums full of art and history or the Trevi Fountain are not to be missed and visiting them is a must. However, there are some places that are absolutely worth a visit and about which too little is said. In this article we will tell you about the most unusual places in Rome.
The Cimitero Acattolico: the poets’ place
Located in the Testaccio district, the Cimitero Acattolico (Non-Catholic Cemetery) came into being because the Catholic Church would not allow non-Catholics, suicides and actors to be buried on Sacred Ground.
It houses the remains of numerous famous people, both Italian and nonItalian. Names even include John Keats and Percy Shelley, to the more recent Andrea Camilleri.
Any lover of literature and art should even consider dropping in here.
Sant’Ignazio’s flat dome: where illusion meets religion
The church of Sant’Ignazio of Loyola, located in Campo Marzio, might look like a normal Baroque-style church, but there is a peculiarity: from the inside it is possible to see a beautiful dome that does not appear from the outside. The reason for this phenomenon is very simple: the dome is just an optical illusion, created by the painter Andrea del Pozzo to make up for the lack of funds needed to build a real one.
Water Clock of the Pincio
Inside the park of Villa Borghese, more specifically at the Pincio, is a marvel of engineering from the second half of the 19th century: a clock that runs on water from the pond within which it is located.
The advice is to visit all of Villa Borghese with its views so evocative, but this clock perhaps deserves a closer look.
Galleria Spada: the “shortest” of Rome’s unusual places
Located inside the palace of the same name, the Spada Gallery must be counted among the unusual places in Rome.
The reason for this nomination is due to the fake perspective that Borromini created especially for it: looking at it, in fact, it would appear to be a gallery more than thirty meters long, but the actual length is just less than nine. An architectural marvel due to the floor going up, while the ceiling comes down converging toward a single vanishing point and creating the illusion that will amaze you.
Casina delle Civette: a fairy tale in the heart of the capital
Little known perhaps even to the city’s residents themselves, the Casina delle Civette (House of the Little Owls) looks like a castle stolen from fairy tales, hard to believe that it is located in the heart of the capital.
Located in Villa Torlonia, it takes its name from the owls that adorn both the interior and exterior of the building in a colorful way with stained glass and majolica.
It is also a perfect place for children to believe they are living inside a fairy tale.