Of course, ROME is one of the most visited cities in the world.  Even if you haven’t seen the Colosseum and the Forum for yourself, you’ve probably seen enough pictures to make you feel like you’ve been there. But if you think that’s all there is to this ancient city, think again.  There are a great many glorious places that you might not have heard of, but that are still certainly worth a visit.  Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck certainly thought so in that classic movie ‘Roman Holiday’.  So get yourself to Rome to see some of its hidden wonders. Here are

5 sights in Rome that you will most certainly enjoy …

San Giovanno in Laterano 

Interior of San Giovanni in Laterano

Most visitors have heard of St. Peter’s Basilica, but what they don’t know is that this church is actually more important to the Vatican, Rome and Christendom. The oldest Basilica in Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano is the site where the Pope must officiate church before he is considered the leader of the Catholic Church. It’s a staggering building, in its vastness, its stunning architecture and its contents.

Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo

Leaonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influential Italian’s that ever lived, and this is where you’ll find out why. Interactive and charming, Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo in the Palazzo della Cancelleria is not well known, but it should be. On a visit, you’ll get the chance to actually try out replicas of many of the contraptions designed by the great man himself. Great fun for kids or simply fascinating for any adult with an interest in history or design.

Aventine Hill

Rose Garden – Aventine Hill

Unlike the ruins at the Forum, you’ll find the original Roman architecture on Aventine Hill less crowded and more peaceful. There’s so much to look at, from a collection of beautiful little churches, to a stunning orange garden and the Square of the Knights of Malta. But the principle site involves the staggering view you can see through an ancient keyhole… ask any of the resident priests who populate the area and they’ll be happy to direct you to it.

Trastevere

Trastevere Restaurant

If you’d rather avoid the tourists but you’re still looking for a bit of that famous Italian bustle, Trastevere is the place to go. This lively and very Roman area of Rome is made up of cobbled streets full of fun cafes, unique shops and workshops and plenty of history. Every Sunday morning, the famous Porta Portese flea market takes over the town. It seems as though all the street vendors in Rome collect here for a few hours, so if you’re looking to do a bit of haggling and to buy a few souvenirs, you should definitely visit at this time. Make sure you don’t let the main streets of moderate tackiness distract you from the smaller side streets, where you can find the real, quality goodies.  Get into the heart of this glorious city so you don’t miss the opportunity to get a souvenir of real Italian style.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo

There are a lot of steps to climb to visit the fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, but when you see the views from the top, you’ll realise it was absolutely worth it. You’ll be able to get right inside the underground network of the building, which was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, but has since been used as a Papal fortress, a castle and a prison. There are all sorts of interesting artefacts to look at in the gorgeous rooms, but nothing beats the sight of the Vatican and the whole of Rome from the cafe on the terrace outside.

This article is brought to you by Monarch Airlines.

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