Places of interest in Rome are not for tourists. Unusual Rome: places of interest that few know about

If you asked the Romans for advice on where to go, where to eat and spend the evening, they would tell you about these places

If you have already walked along Via del Corso more than once, ate ice cream on the steps of the Spanish Steps and thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and you will not be surprised by the Colosseum and the Pantheon, then this guide is for you.

What to watch

Basilica of Saint Clement

BASILICA OF HOLY CLIMENT

The church is located between the Colosseum and the Lateran Cathedral. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that in fact it is not one basilica, but three at once. The lower level is made up of two buildings of the 1st century AD, the second (once built on the ruins of the first) is an early Christian basilica of the 4th century with frescoes containing the first known inscriptions in common Italian. The upper level is an even later basilica with mosaics from the 12th century. The whole complex is like a long tangled labyrinth, which can be walked endlessly.

BASILICA SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI

The centerpiece of this basilica is the marble sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo. According to legend, when the great maestro finished the statue, he himself was so shocked by his creation that he hit him with a hammer and exclaimed: "But why don't you say?" Michelangelo Antonioni's film Lo sguardo di Michelangelo is dedicated to a silent dialogue with this sculpture.

Michelangelo's sculpture "Moses" in the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

CAPITOLIAN MUSEUMS

Here you can see the main symbol of Rome - the statue of the She-Wolf feeding the twins Romulus and Remus. A copy of the sculpture located at the entrance to Capitol Square is usually mistaken by tourists for the original. The Capitoline Museums is the oldest public museum in the world, opened in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of antique bronzes from Lateran to the people of Rome. It contains fragments of the Colossus of Constantine, a gilded bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, works by Tiziano, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Rubens, Veronese and other artists.

CHURCH SAN LUIGI DEI FRANCESI

The church was built in honor of King Louis IX of France, from where it got its name. It is notable for the fact that one of its chapels, the Contarelli Chapel, is decorated with four paintings by the artist Caravaggio: The Calling of the Apostle Matthew, Saint Matthew and the Angel, The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and the Assurance of Thomas.

"Saint Matthew and the Angel" by Caravaggio

MUSEUMS OF VATICAN

Usually, everyone is so eager to get to the Basilica of St. Peter and the Sistine Chapel that they leave the rest of the Vatican galleries without attention. This is a big mistake: in the Vatican there are still other rooms painted by Raphael, the Etruscan Museum, the Pinakothek with a collection of paintings by Italian and Byzantine masters of almost all eras and beautiful gardens... It is better to buy tickets in advance on the website so as not to stand in a long queue later.

ORANGE GARDEN

From the garden of bitter orange trees on the Aventine Hill opens beautiful view to the city. That is why it has become the most popular place for marriage proposals - lovers come here at sunset. The orange trees were planted in honor of Saint Domenic, the founder of the monastery at the Church of Saint Sabina (which is located nearby and is also worthy of attention).

CASTLE HOLE OF THE CASTLE OF THE MALTIC ORDER

From the garden, follow Via di Santa Sabina to the Knights of Malta Square. Usually there is a small queue of people who look through the keyhole of the gate of the castle of the Order of Malta. It is known for the fact that, thanks to a special optical effect, a panorama of the Church of St. Peter opens in it. It was in this garden, into which the gates with a well lead and which is closed from strangers, that the main character film "The Great Beauty" (La Grande Bellezza) Jep Gambardella with his beloved.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many options for staying in Rome, but to make it easier to reach all the attractions, there is no better area than Monti. An apartment or room can be rented on airbnb. Bed & Breakfast GreenHouse Colosseo is located a stone's throw from the Colosseum and is surrounded by a garden of ancient lemon trees. The friendly hostess, Italian actress Valentina Salerno, is always happy to communicate with guests, can advise good restaurants and cafes, and, upon request, organize a personal tour of the city and serve a classic homemade Roman dinner. Due to the fact that the house is located on private territory and fenced on all sides, it is very quiet and calm.

25, Via delle Sette Sale

WHERE TO DRINK COFFEE

CAFE PANELLA

The best coffee in the city is prepared in the Panella cafe on the famous Merulana street - the one where the “most unpleasant incident”, described in the novel of the same name by the Roman writer Emilio Gadda, took place. To feel like a resident of Rome, you need to ask to add zabaione cream to the espresso - it tastes very much like "eggnog". It can be added to "cappuccio" (this is how the Romans call cappuccino), but it is not worth it in a latte - baristas may be very surprised at such a request. In addition to zabaione cream, there are pistachio, chocolate and many others. If you wish, you can have a bite to eat at Panella.

54, Via Merulana

COFFEE SANT "EUSTACCHIO

There is almost always a huge queue right behind the Pantheon - it is the tourists who strive by all means to get into the Tazza D'Oro coffee shop. But we are not there. Directly opposite there is another old coffee house - Sant'Eustacchio. Although lesser known, espresso, latte, cappuccino and everything else there is much tastier. From here you can take home a couple of packs of aromatic coffee.

82, Piazza Sant "Eustacchio

WHERE TO EAT

A distinctive feature of all authentic Roman pizzerias, including this one, is that you can safely ask to add any ingredients you want. The main thing is to choose a base - white dough (pizza bianca, without sauce) or red (pizza rossa, with tomato sauce). Skillful pizza makers will make your fantasies come true. And if you want classics, you can always look at the menu.

95, Via Madonna dei Monte

As in the previous restaurant, in Li Rioni pizza can be assembled like a constructor from your favorite ingredients. But the main thing is to try typical Roman snacks: zucchini flowers and suppli - rice balls stuffed with deep-fried mozzarella.

24, Via S. Quattro

This legendary restaurant is always packed (except on rainy days), but the pizza here is worth everyone, even the longest lines. The Romans themselves go here, but tourists rarely come - it was and remains a secret Roman place. The best place to try focaccia is here.

32, Via del Teatro Pace

Walking along Piazza Navona, which is a few steps from the pizzeria, you should pay attention to the Sant'Anese church and the Four Rivers fountain standing in front of it. Few people know, but this architectural ensemble is living evidence of the rivalry between two great Italian architects, Borromini (Francesco Borromini) and Bernini (Lorenzo Bernini).

The favorite of Pope Innocent X, Borromini tried to interfere with the career of his rival Bernini, and then he spread a rumor throughout Rome that the facade of the Church of Sant'Agnese, Borromini's new project, was illiterate and threatened to fall on the heads of the unfortunate residents. To enhance the effect, the joker Bernini, who was involved in the construction of the Four Rivers fountain, put the allegorical figures of the rivers as if they were trying to defend themselves from a dangerous church and in horror were covering themselves from it with their hands.

Fountain "Four Rivers"

GELATERIA DI FASSI

Italians have long argued among themselves where the oldest gelateria is located on the peninsula (and in the world). Residents of different regions have their own truth. But there is no doubt that you can taste the most delicious ice cream at Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi near the Termini station in Rome. The menu includes mint, stracatella, melon, ice cream candies, ice cream cakes and much more. Due to the fact that the place is not at all touristy, the prices here are below the average for the city.

65, via Principe Eugenio

SICILIAN PASTRY CIURI CIURI

Sicilian cannoli with ricotta is one of the most delicious Italian pastries. There are only a few places in Rome where they are made as well as in Silicia. One of them is the Ciuri Ciuri pastry shop next to the Cavour metro station. You can ask to pack a dozen small cannoli and take them with you. This should be done right the day before or on the day of departure, so that they remain fresh, and the dough does not have time to soak in the cream and remains crispy.

18, Via Leonina

Where to go in the evening

The interior with vintage furniture, soft light of old floor lamps and lamps, combined with live music create a very cozy atmosphere. In the bohemian Black Market in one of the central districts of Rome, Monti wants to come back again and again.

101, Via Panisperna

Shot from the film "Great Beauty"

Where to buy Italian products

WEEKEND FARM MARKET AT CIRCO MASSIMO

The Circo Massimo weekend market is a great alternative to the well-known market at Campo de 'Fiori. The prices here are about the same, and the choice is much greater. Regional cheeses ("wine" cheese is especially good), pesto, aromatic oil from truffles, pasta from green and red olives - all products can be tasted first. If requested, prosciutto and cheese can be vacuum packed here so they won't spoil during the trip.

74, Via di S. Teodoro

GASTRONOMIA CECCHINI

If you don't have time to run into the farmers' market at the weekend, Italian products (Cheese Grana Padana, Parmiggiano, Pecorino Romano, Prosciutto and more) can be found at the Cecchini shop on Merulana Street.

• After lunch, go to Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere built in the III century (even before the division christian church to the Catholic and Orthodox) with a beautiful mosaic inside, and then climb the Janiculum - one of the seven hills of Rome. According to legend, it was on the Janiculum that St.Peter was crucified, and from its observation area opens magnificent view of Rome... Back down to the Trastevere area, have an espresso with ice cream or a glass of wine with bruschetta, for example, in a restaurant Sabatini in Trastevere... Italians only drink cappuccino for breakfast and espresso the rest of the day.

• You can complete the walk and daylight hours in Rome in the Vatican stepping over the invisible border line at St. Peter's Square. Around 6 - half past seven in the evening, St. Peter's Cathedral is almost empty, which is a great rarity. Skip the line and the crowds you can admire Drinking Michelangelo- the only sculpture signed by the master - and rub the foot of the statue of St. Peter "for good luck", making a wish. For dinner, you can go back to the Pantheon area, after sending it to yourself and your loved ones postcard from the post office of the Vatican.

Rome is best known for its history dating back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, but it is also a fast-paced, modern and up-to-date city, with brilliant designer windows, elegant hotels and cutting-edge restaurants. Art lovers will find satisfaction in the artwork housed in the Vatican Museums, while gourmets will delight in delicious Italian cuisine. Be sure to visit Rome, one of the most romantic and inspiring cities in the world.

On approaching Rome, one can often hear the surprised exclamations of some passengers: they did not even think that the city was on the sea. In fact, the seaside Ostia for Rome is like Zelenograd for Moscow: a remote area of ​​the city, which can be reached by bus or train. It is next to Fiumicino airport, so if you have a long connection in Rome you can take a taxi to Ostia and be on the beach in twenty minutes. The sea here is not as clean as in Sardinia or Salento, but it is quite possible to swim and sunbathe during the season. The line of beaches starts within the city limits, and then stretches along the Tenuta di Castelporziano nature reserve - there, if you wish, you can ride a bike.

Farm products near the Circus Maximus

There are many mobile markets in Rome on weekends. Farmers from Lazio and neighboring regions bring their cheeses, sausages, vegetables, fruits and other products here. For example, every Saturday and Sunday near the Circus Maximus there is a market of the Campagna Amica association (you can look for other places). Farm products are priced higher than the grocery store, but the groceries are generally worth it. At the same time, you can try gorgonzola, grana padano, truffle oil, and other goods. It is enough to ask: "Posso provare?" Nobody forces you to buy anything after tasting - you can say “buono, grazie” and move on.

Vintage market

The most famous flea market in Rome is called Porta Portese, a Sunday market with 50 years of history. Here they sell everything - from penny rings to antiques. But in recent times locals complain that there are too many consumer goods here, and the number of interesting vintage items has noticeably decreased. For the latter, it is advised to go to the Ponte Milvio market, which opens on the waterfront near the Olympic stadium every first and second Sunday of the month. Old furniture, clothes, shoes and jewelry are sold here. You can find good things for a good price.

Botanical Garden

If you don't like crowds, take a look at the Botanical Gardens of the Sapienza University in the Trastevere area. On weekdays it is quiet and deserted - only green parrots fly from palm to palm. And a photo against the background of a bamboo grove, a Japanese garden or orchids will collect no less, if not more, likes than a banal photo "I'm at the Colosseum."

Bar Freni e Frizioni

In Trastevere, it's generally very cool to walk along narrow alleys, occasionally stopping for a drink and refreshment in some cafe. They're around every corner. True, with the growth of the euro rate, it became more difficult to revel in Europe. For those who want something cheap and cheerful, we recommend stopping by the Freni e Frizioni bar from 7 to 10 pm. This establishment, opened on the site of an old auto repair shop, pleases not only with a sincere atmosphere, but also with an evening aperitivo. At this time, by purchasing one serving of alcohol (from 6 euros), you get unlimited access to the buffet. There are several types of pasta and risotto, salad and fruit - enough for a hearty dinner.

Rooftop coffee

Another way to make yourself beautiful for little money is to go to the cafe on the roof of the Capitol Museum. To do this, having barely climbed the Capitoline Square with sculptures by Michelangelo, you must turn right and walk towards Piazzale Caffarelli. There will be an entrance to the museum building - it is not the main one, and there is no sign there, and there is no need to pay for the entrance. Climbing the stairs to the top floor, you will find a cafe. Its main advantage is a terrace with a stunning view of the city. The coffee here is also very decent.

Cycling along the Appian Way

Rome is not a very cycling city, there are few bike paths and quite busy traffic. You can ride along the Tiber embankment - there the bike path goes right by the water, or in the Appia Antica park. True, it is better to come there on a weekend. Despite the fact that only locals are allowed to drive there, the traffic is quite intense on weekdays. In general, this is a very pleasant park with the ruins of old castles and villas of wealthy people along the ancient Roman road. After the trip, you can relax on the grass or quench your thirst by the city fountain. By the way, many people don't think to plug the tap with a finger - then water will flow through the hole on top and it will be more convenient to drink.

Biopolis cafe and shop

There are interesting places not only in the center of Rome, but also on the outskirts. So, if you suddenly find yourself in the northeast of the city, in the area of ​​the Libia metro station, go to Biopolis. Everything is here with the prefix bio. In the cafe, you can eat a sandwich with smoked fish, drink it with a glass of organic wine, and buy organic fruits in the store. It also sells superfoods, cosmetics without silicones and parabens, as well as household chemicals for bottling. Customers can come with their own container and not harm the planet with another plastic bottle for liquid soap.

Giubbonari street

Most often, Russians in Rome can be found in the via del Corso area - there, not far from the Spanish Steps, shops of famous brands are concentrated, from the mass market to the luxury. But all these brands are represented in Moscow in one way or another. If you want something less well-known, you should go to Giubbonari street, which is not far from Campo de "Fiori. There are a lot of inexpensive shops with clothes and shoes of small Italian brands. You can take a break from shopping by buying ice cream at the Grom cafe - it's homemade and natural.

Andreotti Patisserie Via Ostiense, 54

Leaving Rome is more profitable from the Roma Ostiense station. Local trains stop here: a ticket to the airport costs 8 euros, while a trip on the Leonardo express train from Termini station will cost 14. The money saved can be spent on sweets in the Andreotti pasture, which is located nearby. Excellent cakes with cream, chocolate and fruit have been made here for 80 years. After all, a crisis is not an excuse to deprive yourself of the humble joys of Italian life.

Then this article is not for you.
But if you are a tireless traveler in search of new experiences and unusual places, then we offer you 10 interesting and unusual places in Rome.

1) Underground Rome

Not everyone knows about the existence of another parallel Rome, which is located deep underground. In all ages, people have been attracted by the opportunity to use the underground part of the city. Lack of space for the development of the city, insufficient amount of building material, shelter from enemies - these are the main reasons for the emergence of an underground city.
Today, archaeologists know about hundreds of dungeons in Rome, which you can visit - mitreriums (sanctuaries of the god Mithras), aqueducts, crypts of famous basilicas, catacombs, caves under villas, ancient Roman cisterns, Big Cesspool and much more.
Exciting underground journeys are arranged by two competing firms. We look at the schedule on their websites.
www.sotterraneidiroma.it
www.romasotterranea.it

2) Etruscan Museum at Villa Julia

The Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia is one of the most important museums dedicated to this mysterious people.
The museum was founded in 1889 and contains a rich collection of the pre-Roman period.
Here is kept the famous funerary monument made of terracotta, which depicts a married couple - a touching couple reclining on their deathbed.
Another important exhibit is the Pyrgi tablets. These are three gold plates with inscriptions in Etruscan and Punic languages.
The museum houses a large collection of jewelry, as you know, the Etruscans were skilled craftsmen. A curious room with erotic paintings on dishes and vases (children under 16 are better off skipping this room).
Address: piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9

3) Palazzo dell Civilta del Lavoro (Palace of the Workers' Civilization) or simply the Square Colosseum

Square colosseum- a symbol of Rome in the XX century. It is located in the EUR quarter. The Square Colosseum was designed by Benito Mussolini by the architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula and Mario Romano in 1938-43. The geometric palazzo occupies 8,400 square meters and rises to a height of 50 meters. The facade is made of 6 rows (we count the letters B-e-n-i-t-o), consisting of 9 arches (again we count the letters M-u-s-s-o-l-i-n-i).
The statues surrounding the palace symbolize the values ​​of modern society Arts, Crafts and Traits: Heroism, Music, Craft, Political Genius, Social Order, Work, Agriculture, Philosophy, Commerce, Manufacturing, Archeology, Astronomy, History, Genius of Invention, Architecture, Law, Navigation Championship, Sculpture, Mathematics, Theatrical talent, Chemistry, Publishing house, Medicine, Geography, Physics, Genius of poetry, Painting and Genius of military art.
The square Colosseum has its own charm, in the rays of the rising sun it seems to have descended from the paintings of De Chirico, striking in its power and laconic form.

In the early morning of March 24, 1944, 335 arrested persons, including partisans and civilians, were taken to via Ardeatina, where an ancient cave was located. With their hands tied behind their backs, they were ordered to kneel down and shot, after which explosions thundered, leaving behind only a pile of stones.
So the Germans responded to the military action of the resistance movement, as a result of which 33 German policemen were killed, the life of each of them was estimated at ten Italian lives.
Three months after the liberation of Rome, the cave was cleared of the rubble, the relatives of the killed tried to identify the pieces of the bodies of relatives from the mass grave.
In 1949, a mausoleum in a grotto was erected on this site, which more closely resembles a sanctuary than a pompous memorial. In the cave halls there are identical graves with 323 names, 12 remained unidentified.
In front of the entrance to the tomb, a monument to the dead was erected so that subsequent generations would not forget history.

7) Cinecitta

Cinecitta " Is a renowned Italian film studio based in Rome.
Cinecitta was discovered under Benito Mussolini in 1937. During the entire existence of the film studio, about 3,000 films were shot, 90 of which became Oscar candidates, and 47 won it. Such great directors as Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, Martin Scorsese and many others worked here.
The cinema complex occupies 40 hectares, on which there are 22 pavilions, a huge outdoor pool and spacious avenues.
In addition, the studio hosts thematic exhibitions and excursions that reveal the inner life of the Italian "dream factory". A more expensive ticket will allow you to visit the filming taking place at the time.
Cinachitta address: Via Tuscolana, 1055. Ticket price 10 euros (20 euros with a visit to the filming).
How to get there: metro line A - to the Cinecitta stop.
Exhibition opening hours: from 9.30 to 17.30 (tickets are on sale until 16.30).
Filming visits: every day, except Tuesday, at 10.00, 11.30 (also English), 13.00, 14.00, 15.15 (also English), 16.30
Closed: Tuesday.
Website: www.cinecittastudios.it

8) San Lorenzo

The Roman Quarter of San Lorenzo is popular with students, not tourists. There are no ancient Roman ruins and Baroque churches, but the spirit of reckless youth, cheap cafes and freedom-loving graffiti reigns. In the evening and at night, numerous hangouts invite guests to visit them, wineries turn on cozy lights, and books are sold at half price.
In the last century, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Alberto Moravia drew their inspiration from San Lorenzo, finding heroes for their works. But new times give birth to new heroes, who are in abundance on the streets of San Lorenzo.
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9) Matattoyo in Testaccio

Mattatoio- a former slaughterhouse located in the Testaccio area.
The slaughterhouse was closed in 1975 and moved to a new location. Then the fire services and the Faculty of Architecture were located here. In 2002, it was decided to give a huge complex, occupying about 100 thousand square meters, for contemporary art.
So it appeared MACRO (www.macro.roma.museum) - a huge gallery where exhibitions of contemporary art and various events are held. The permanent exhibition includes 600 works by artists of the 20th century.

The Copede quarter immerses you in an unusual Liberty-style Rome. Quirky shapes, interesting buildings and an unforgettable walk are guaranteed!
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Bonus:

Garbatella is a borgata (workers' settlement) built in the Roman baroquetto style. A special atmosphere and a pleasant walk without tourist crowds.

12) Nomentano

Nomentano invites you to immerse yourself in Mussolini's Rome.

Rome is a city of discovery. Even knowing the city well, walking along the same street for the hundredth time, you will still discover something interesting: a Roman courtyard with statues of Ancient Rome, hidden behind a heavy front door, masterpieces of great artists in a simple inconspicuous church, a strange sculpture on the windowsill of one of the houses ... And what riches are hidden under the ground! .. something new. You will certainly find it too - with our tips, of course 🙂

If you have already visited and "worn down your iron shoes", walking around the historic center again, it's time to look at Rome from a new angle.

Present to your attention 5 unusual places in Rome - our rating is for those who have already been in Rome and seem to have seen almost everything.

Interesting in Rome. 5 unusual places

Unusual cafe in Rome

Have you tried to enjoy lunch or dinner in the company of the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, Queen Margaret and Pope Leo XIII? If not, then it's time to dive into the atmosphere of creativity in the heart of Rome - welcome to the workshop of the Canova Tadolini family!

Antonio Canova(Italian Antonio Canova; 1757 - 1822) - the famous Italian sculptor, whose works are presented in the Hermitage and the Louvre, bequeathed his workshop to a student of Tadolini. For four generations, the work of Canova and Tadolini was passed from son to son, until one day they decided to create an unusual atmospheric restaurant from the workshop.

With the exception of numerous tables and scurrying bartenders, everything here resembles a real sculptor's workshop: chaotically placed statues, unfinished casts mixed with newspapers and art books ...

We love the Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini for its amazing atmosphere and regularly come here after and for a cup of cappuccino with sweet cornetto. It is still difficult for us to get rid of the old habit of drinking coffee in half-liter glasses with big amount milk. The Romans rarely drink cappuccino, popular in Russia, preferring to slowly sip espresso from tiny glasses (although, it would seem, what to drink there! ..). In their opinion, espresso aids digestion after a meal.

Unusual building in Rome

If you want to arrange an original one, we recommend that you pay attention to the square Colosseum. Yes, you read that correctly. The Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the Colosseo Quadrato, was built within the Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR) complex of business buildings by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the world fair, which was planned to be held in Rome in 1942. The event never took place, and the quarter, for obvious reasons, is not particularly advertised. Therefore, you can easily play a prank on your friends by joking that in this way you have restored the well-known Colosseum in Rome.

How to find? From the regular Colosseum, take the metro towards Laurentina, then get off at the EUR Magliana station and walk for a kilometer (address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559). Do not forget that the best photos are taken at sunrise or sunset: plan the time correctly or order a photo session with us - we will show you how to “catch” the best time.

Unusual tomb in Rome

"Rome has everything, even the Nile and the pyramids." 13 Egyptian obelisks in Rome can be understood, explained and forgiven ... But a pyramid? Egyptian! Real! How?

Everything, as usual, is explained by vanity and wealth. In the 1st century BC, Gaius Cestius Epulon held a truly enviable position: he was an ancient event manager - organizer of banquets in honor of the main Roman gods. Having accumulated an unthinkable fortune at divine feasts, he died, leaving his heirs with a cheerful quest testament. It said that the heirs need to build a pyramid in honor of the deceased and meet in 330 days, otherwise the inheritance can be forgotten.

Judging by the integrity and safety of the pyramid, the heirs did their best. The pyramid in Rome has been standing for over 2000 years.

It's funny that Catherine II in St. Petersburg Tsarskoye Selo wished to build a pyramid in the Roman image for her beloved dogs.

“Here lies Zemira ... she was light on the run and had only one drawback, she was a little angry, but her heart was kind. When you love, you are afraid of everything, but Zemira loved so much the one whom the whole world loves, as she does. Is it possible to be calm with the rivalry of such a multitude of peoples. The gods, witnesses of her tenderness, should have rewarded her with immortality for her loyalty, so that she could be inseparably with her mistress. "

An unusual museum in Rome

Not far from the pyramid is one of the most unusual museums in Rome.

Firstly, it is the youngest contemporary art museum of all museums of this trend in European capitals. Rome is so rich in history, masterpieces, mysteries and unsolved secrets that it was only in 1999 that the Romans realized that they were a little behind the times - there was no museum of modern art in their city. The defect had to be urgently corrected.

Secondly, one of the museums of contemporary art - MACRO (and in Rome now there are two) is located on the site of the former abattoir Mattatoio (Mattatoio) in the truly Roman district of Testaccio. The slaughterhouse was closed in 1975 and moved to a new location. After that, it housed the fire services, the Faculty of Architecture, and in 2002 the huge complex was given over to contemporary art.

Today, the MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most beautiful monuments of industrial architecture and has an exhibition area of ​​more than 10,000 m², where more than 600 exhibits are located.

The area in which it is located is also unusual. District name Monte Testaccio(Italian Monte Testaccio, Monte Testaceo) comes from the Latin word "mons testaceus" - "mountain of pottery shards"). The way it is! During the Roman Empire, it was a dump for amphorae in which they stored and transported olive oil... The ceramic amphora could be used only once, after which they were broken and dumped here. This is how the Testaccio hill appeared, almost entirely consisting of fragments of broken amphorae from the times of Ancient Rome. And the inscriptions from the fragments of amphorae from Testaccio are a valuable source of information about the economy and way of life in the Roman Empire.

There are three more reasons why you should come to the area.

1. Here is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe - a non-Catholic cemetery, where you can see interesting tombstones of artistic value. This is a unique burial area of ​​Germans, Scots, Russians, and other representatives of non-Catholic confessions. Among the 4 thousand burials are buried about 1 thousand of our compatriots (famous artists, members of the Imperial House, as well as their descendants, representatives of the most ancient noble families - Golenishchevs-Kutuzovs, Naryshkins and others).
2. Near the Testaccio area is one of the best gelateria in Rome - Gelateria la romana as well as a non-tourist market with the freshest products.
3. And in the evening, the inconspicuous quiet and calm streets of Testaccio turn into a real hangout for young people. Modern Testaccio rivals even a neighborhood like Trastevere in terms of nightlife.

Unusual park in Rome