1. Cat Sanctuary

Did you know that Rome is home to more than 300 000 cats, most of whom live outdoors? Over the last twenty years many of these strays have taken refuge in the Torre Argentina excavation site, being fed by local residents in the area, it’s become their home. In the early 1990s, a cat shelter opened there, where more than 400 cats live, pampered daily by volunteers. The Roman Cat Sanctuary, Largo di Torre Argentina. Open daily from noon until 18:00.

2. Keyhole

On Mount Aventine, in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta there is a large door. If you look in the keyhole there is a surprise! It’s one of the least secret of Rome’s unusual spots since you’ll have to get in the queue to enjoy the view… Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on Mount Aventine.

3. San Lorenzo

This is THE alternative neighbourhood of Rome for everything cultural and everything hip. Cheap bars infested with foreign and Italian students in the afternoon, pop-up sidewalk cafes and “festino”, street parties. It’s where the arty and intellectual feel most at home, opposite the Campo dei Fiori. You might say it’s Rome’s Camden Town. Enjoy Peroni for no more than a Euro. San Lorenzo District, around the piazza Tiburtini, south of Termini Station.

4. EUR

10 000 people live in the Esposizione Universale di Roma district, located on the outskirts of the city. The EUR was built in the 1930s at the height of fascism. Now it’s an architectural curiosity with references to ancient Rome (a pillar to fascist ideology) and modernist lines. The most representative is the Square Coliseum, a cube with 216 arches. EUR, metro line B, station EUR (one station before Laurentina).

5. Centrale Montemartini

This impressive architectural museum was built in a former power plant in Ostiense. It welcome the newest acquisitions from the Capitole Museum. Imagine ancient statues juxtaposed against an industrial backdrop, a striking contrast. Centrale Montemartini, Via Ostiense 106, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 until 19:00.

6. Church of St. Ignatius Loyola

This baroque church was the second Jesuit church built in Rome. It’s frescos and trompe l’oeil paintings by Andrea Pozzo in 1685 alone are reason not to miss this. The ceilings give the impression that they’re vaulted which is not the case at all because the churchyard neighbours didn’t want shade in their garden at the time when the church was built. Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, Via del Caravita 8.

7. Porta Portese Market

This Roman flea market is definitely worthwhile on a sunny day. It’s open Sunday from the early morning until the afternoon. Sort through trinkets, watches, pottery, bicycles, kitchen gadgets, Olivetti typewriters, books and jewellery… watching the locals scouring for a good deal is also quite entertaining! Porta Portese Market on Via Poruense. Every Sunday morning.

8. Villa Doria Pamphili

Rome’s largest part (180 hectare), located atop Gianicolo Hill, is curiously and largely ignored by tour groups. Its beautiful French-style gardens and huge villa are popular with Romans for late afternoon walks. It’s a great alternative if you’ve already visited teh Villa Borghese gardens. Admire the fountains carved into the faces of the theatre statues. Villa Doria Pamphili, entrance at Via Aurelia Antica, west of Trastevere.

9. Roman Protestant Cemetery

Built in the early 18th century, this cemetery was built only for the bodies of foreign non-Catholics who could not be buried on Roman soil. It’s a haven of peace away from the commotion of the Roman streets. Here lay English poets Shelley and Keats. Protestant Cemetery in Rome, Via Caio Cestio 6, metro Piramide. Open daily from 9:00 until 17:00, Sundays from 9:00 until 13:00.

10. Appia Antica

Officially this is the first paved road in history, dubbed the “Queen of roads.” Construction began in 312 BC and connected Rome to Brindisi. 513km in length, it passes beatiful villas and ancient ruins. If you don’t have enough time to follow its length in entirety, admire part of it in Rome. The road starts at the Baths of Caracalla.

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Have any other ideas for unusual spots to see in Rome? Feel free to add them to our list by leaving a comment below! Check out our other articles, Like a Local, for more “off the tourist path” ideas.