Rome, the Eternal City, is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon. However, hidden among its ancient streets and bustling squares are lesser-known sites that hold captivating stories and secrets. Here are five mysterious places in Rome that you might have missed, each steeped in legend and history.
1. The Capuchin Crypt
Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini lies the eerie and fascinating Capuchin Crypt. This crypt is adorned with the bones of over 3,700 Capuchin friars, arranged in intricate patterns and designs.
Highlights:
- The crypt consists of six small chapels, each uniquely decorated with skulls, femurs, and other bones.
- The macabre decorations are intended to remind visitors of the fleeting nature of life.
Legend: It is said that the bones of the Capuchin friars were arranged as a form of memento mori, to remind the living of their mortality and the afterlife.
Location: Via Veneto, Rome
2. The Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is a multi-layered historical site that offers a journey through time. It is built on top of a 4th-century basilica, which itself is constructed over a 2nd-century Mithraic temple and a 1st-century Roman house.
Highlights:
- Visitors can explore the different layers, each revealing a piece of Rome’s ancient history.
- The Mithraic temple features a fascinating altar dedicated to the god Mithras.
Legend: According to legend, the subterranean levels of San Clemente are said to be haunted by the spirits of early Christians who sought refuge here.
Location: Via Labicana, Rome
3. The Protestant Cemetery
The Protestant Cemetery, also known as the Non-Catholic Cemetery, is the final resting place for many notable artists, poets, and writers. It is one of Rome’s most peaceful and picturesque cemeteries, filled with cypress trees and ancient tombstones.
Highlights:
- The graves of English poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley are located here.
- The cemetery is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful sculptures.
Legend: Local legends speak of ghostly apparitions of poets wandering the cemetery at night, seeking inspiration or mourning lost love.
Location: Via Caio Cestio, Rome
4. The Museum of the Souls of Purgatory
Tucked away in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage, the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory is a small but intriguing museum dedicated to the souls suffering in purgatory. It houses artifacts believed to be touched by these souls.
Highlights:
- The museum’s collection includes scorched handprints on prayer books and clothing, said to be left by souls seeking prayers.
- The church itself is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Legend: It is believed that the souls in purgatory leave these marks as a plea for the living to pray for their speedy passage to heaven.
Location: Lungotevere Prati, Rome
5. The Aventine Keyhole
On the Aventine Hill, near the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, lies a small and unassuming door with a keyhole that offers a unique and magical view. Through this keyhole, you can perfectly see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by the greenery of the garden.
Highlights:
- The keyhole view is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets and offers a unique photo opportunity.
- The Knights of Malta, an ancient order, have owned the property since the 12th century.
Legend: It is said that the keyhole view was designed intentionally to align with the dome of St. Peter’s, symbolizing the order’s connection to the Vatican.
Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, Rome
Rome’s hidden gems offer a glimpse into the city’s rich and layered history, filled with legends, myths, and mysteries. Exploring these lesser-known sites can provide a deeper understanding of the Eternal City, beyond its most famous landmarks. Next time you visit Rome, take the time to uncover these mysterious places and immerse yourself in the captivating stories they hold.