Hidden corners of Rome: Coppedè district, the Aventine orange garden and the catacombs

Mention Rome, and most people picture the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and crowds of visitors. But the city is far more than its headline attractions. It also holds quiet, striking, and quirky corners that rarely make it into standard guidebooks—places that reveal a fresher, truer Rome.

The Coppedè District — like a fairy tale

If you assume Rome is only about ancient ruins, the Coppedè district will surprise you. It looks nothing like the rest of the city. Buildings here are adorned with fantastical patterns, sculptures, and frescoes. It feels as if you’ve stepped into a storybook—or onto a film set.

The neighborhood took shape in the early 20th century. It was conceived and built by architect Gino Coppedè, whose name it bears. Standout spots include the Fairy House, the Fountain of the Frogs, and the Spider Palace. Together they create an arresting mix of styles, from whimsical to Gothic.

You’ll find it in the Trieste area, in northern Rome. Tourists rarely detour this way, so wandering here is unhurried: plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and linger over the details.

An orange grove on a hill

On Rome’s Aventine Hill sits a serene garden thick with orange trees. Known as the Giardino degli Aranci, or the Savello Garden, it was created in 1932 and has been a favorite promenade for locals ever since.

It’s compact but welcoming. Shaded paths lead to a terrace with a sweeping view over the city. The oranges are inedible—deliberately bitter, so no one is tempted to pick them. The place invites a slow pace, the kind that quietly resets your sense of the city.

Underground Rome: the catacombs

Rome isn’t only what you see above ground. Beneath its streets run catacombs—long underground corridors where people were once buried. They first appeared in the 2nd century and were used by Christians, Jews, and pagans.

The best-known catacombs are those of St. Callixtus, St. Sebastian, and St. Domitilla. Inside are ancient frescoes, inscriptions, and narrow tunnels cut into the rock. These places served not only as cemeteries but also as refuges from persecution.

Today, some catacombs are open to visitors, though most remain closed. Researchers continue to study them—and chances are more discoveries lie ahead.

Rome, then, isn’t just the city on the postcards. There’s another Rome: quiet, unusual, and compelling. The Coppedè district, the hilltop orange garden, and the ancient catacombs show the city from an unexpected angle—one that tends to linger long after the crowds fade.