Rome is the magnificent capital of Italy and while many people know that the Vatican is located within the city, they may not know that there are many other interesting attractions as well. There are multiple statues, fountains and buildings that just about everyone knows about, but there are many lesser known places that should be on everyone’s must see list when they are visiting Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica may be huge, but it is not the only one that can be found in Rome. San Paolo Fuori le Mura is the third largest church in Christendom and hardly anyone goes there to visit. Visitors will be able to experience the beauty of a basilica without having to worry about it being overcrowded.
The Villa Medici may be the home of the French Academy, but it is the best place to find panoramic views of the entire city. The villa has multiple exhibits and performances throughout the year and they offer guided tours as well. On a guided tour, visitors will be able to see 18 acres of gardens and the cardinal’s painted apartments.
Villa Medici photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Inside Savello Park, people will not only see the views of the Roman hills, but the Rome Rose Gardens too. When the Rose Gardens are open to the public, people are able to see 1,100 varieties of roses in bloom. A castle used to be located at this site back in the tenth century and the walls from the castle can be found around the park.
Anyone who is well versed in myths from around the world will want to visit The Mouth of Truth at the entrance of the Santa Maria Church. According to the myth, a person who tells a lie when their hand is in the mouth of the sculpture will have their hand bitten off.
The Mouth of Truth
There are many famous museums in Rome, but they are often crowded. However, there are a few museums that have spectacular exhibits with only a fraction of the people. Over at the Museo Missionario di Propaganda Fide, people will be able to see the items that were brought back after overseas missions. Visitors are also able to look into Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Hogwartseque library and Francesco Borromini’s Chapel of the Magi.
Italian foods are exceptionally delicious and Rome has quite a few places that serve the best meals.
Osteria Bonelli is a restaurant that serves delicious foods at inexpensive prices. Two of their popular dishes are the ricotta e spinaci ravioli and the pasta alla gricia. Many times, the waitresses know what the guest wants to eat before they do and no one ever leaves the restaurant hungry.
Over at Farine la Pizza, there are only seven choices of pizza and there are never any exceptions. Even though people do not get many choices at Farine la Pizza, they keep returning because the pizza is absolutely amazing. Every week, people can choose from traditional pizzas to the more exotic ones with chicory, asiago and hot peppers. Farine la Pizza keeps everything simple including serving the pizza on a sheet of paper instead of on a plate.
Flavors at Gelateria del Teatro
Everyone who visits Rome wants to taste the best gelato available and they will only find it at Gelateria del Teatro. Gelateria del Teatro only uses the freshest ingredients, which makes the journey finding the place well worth it. If a visitor arrives in time, they will be able to watch an employee make the gelato. People are greeted by a beautiful window display before they even enter the shop. There are always huge slabs on chocolate, baskets of peaches and lots of other ingredients in the window and it is all used to make the delicious gelato. They serve traditional flavors of gelato including coffee, tiramisu, vanilla, chocolate and pistachio. They also have white chocolate with basil, lavender and white peach, rosemary honey and lemon, sage and raspberry and ginger cream.
A favorite Italian dish has always been veal scallopini. It is very easy to make and it can be served with a salad and a crusty loaf of bread.
Veal Scallopini in Spaghetti Sauce
1 pound thin veal cutlets
2 ½ cups spaghetti sauce
1 large egg
¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Grated parmesan cheese
- Beat egg with a fork
- Dip veal into egg and then bread crumbs until both sides are coated
- Heat oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add veal to skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown
- Top each piece of veal with mozzarella cheese
- Pour spaghetti sauce around the veal
- Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce heat
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted
Serve on top of fettuccini or spaghetti and top with parmesan cheese
Traveling to Rome can be an amazing experience and there are so many hidden treasures to find. Everyone who visits the city will be busy exploring the area, not only for the sites but also for the best foods available to eat.
Are you planning to go to Rome? Find useful information, cheap flights, hotel deals and online tickets to museums, attractions and entertainment HERE.
