Rome unveils hidden gems to ease holy year tourist influx
During the upcoming Holy Year in the Eternal City, which is already grappling with excessive tourism, about 32 million tourists and pilgrims are expected. The authorities of Rome have launched an initiative promoting lesser-known corners of the city and its surroundings.
25 November 2024 09:13
"Unexpected Itineraries of Rome" is the name of the initiative prepared for tourists ahead of the forthcoming Holy Year. Two of the seven routes are already available.
Alternatives for tourists tired of crowds
In response to the growing issue of excessive tourism, Roman authorities have directed travellers' attention to less frequently visited locations.
Two sightseeing routes are currently on offer. The first leads to the archaeological site of Gabii, located about 19 kilometres from Rome along the ancient Prenestina road. Once one of Latium's most significant political and cultural centres, its origins date back to the 9th century BC. Excavations have uncovered remnants of walls and a temple. The city thrived during the Republican period, but its decline began in the 1st century BC, after which the area became a site for volcanic tuff extraction.
The second route invites you to the small town of San Vittorino, located about 30 kilometres from the centre of Rome. Visitors can admire medieval architecture, such as the Barberini castle and picturesque waterfalls, which are among the main attractions in this area.
Unique but lesser-known places
The remaining five routes include locations such as the Roman district of Esquilino with the historic Acquario Romano in neoclassical style, the Almone River area, and the Garbatella district with its distinctive Gasometro - an iron cylindrical structure from the 1930s where festivals and exhibitions are held.
The following paths lead through the Tor Marancia district, renowned for its numerous murals, the Park of the Aqueducts, and the historic Fort Bravetta, a site of executions during Italian fascism and the German occupation during World War II.
Interactive information boards and multimedia applications detailing their history have been prepared to facilitate visits to these places. An increase in public transport services to these locations has also been planned.
Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, highlighted that every district of the capital holds historical and cultural treasures, expressing a commitment to sharing them with both the global community and the city's residents.
