In the middle of Rome, not far from Circo Massimo, there is a pyramid that was built in the 1st century BC as the tomb of the Roman praetor Gaius Cestius. The pyramid itself is sometimes described as a “hidden highlight”. But this must be contradicted here. Every day, hundreds of people gather around the Pyramid of Cestius. On the one hand, to look at it, on the other hand because it is a central traffic junction for cars, underground, trams and trains. So the only pyramid in Rome is obviously not that hidden.

But what is an insider tip is right next to it: the Protestant cemetery Cimitero Acattolico. It was built in the 18th century for non-Catholics and non-Italians – so to say – foreigners, mostly Germans or English. Anyone visiting this cemetery today will be surprised! For it is not only unknown people who are buried in these beautiful, often pompously designed, graves and tombs. Besides John Keats, one of the most important poets of English Romanticism, you can also visit the grave of August von Goethe, son of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 09:00 to 16:30
Sun: 09:00 to 12:30 hrs.

Admission:
Free (donation requested)

Address:
Via Caio Cestio, 6

In Rome there is a district called Trastevere. No, it’s certainly not a hidden highlight! 🙂 But if you are looking for small, “typically Italian” alleys and great restaurants, this is the place to be. There is also a hill in this district that is the perfect place for many locals and tourists to spend a romantic evening. The view over the city from this hill at sunset is unbeatable.

But neither Trastevere nor Gianicolo Hill are the insider’s tip, even though they like to be sold as such. The real hidden attraction is on this hill, a minute away from the viewing platform. Hidden behind the green bushes, there is a lighthouse (Faro di Roma in Italian) dating back to 1911, which has since ceased to function because its lights could be seen from a nearby prison. Thus, the lighthouse was misused for communication by means of light signals and signals between inmates and relatives.

Admission:
The grounds are free to enter
Entry to the lighthouse not possible

Address:
Passeggiata del Gianicolo

Many people know that there are over 2,500 drinking fountains in Rome. These fountains, known as “Nasone“, are located on countless streets to the left and right of the top sights. But few people know that in the middle of the Eternal City there is even the possibility to “tap” fresh mineral water.

Water is and always has been important to the Romans, from the aqueducts to the thermal baths. And the fact that there are still places where we can get fresh mineral water today should therefore come as no surprise. But it is nevertheless. One of these water sources is on the Appia Antica, the oldest street in Rome. The other is in the north of Rome and can be easily reached by bus line 60 from the city centre (e.g. Piazza Venezia or Termini, but it’s best to check it with the Moovit app). The water costs only a few cents per litre.

Opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 08:00 to 18:00
Sun and public holiday: 08:00 until 13:00

Address:
Via Passo Del Furlo, 57

If this spring is too northerly for you, there is also a second one in the south-east of Rome, on the Via Appia Antica:
Acqua Egeria
Via dell’Almone, 111
Mon – Sat: 08:00 to 18:30
Sun – Holidays: 08:00 to 14:00