You’re heading to Rome, determined to make great memories and take a few fabulous photos. Of course, you’ll want to snap the classics, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon. But what about discovering a few hidden gems? When visiting Rome, here are seven secret photo spots to put on your list.
Discover seven secret photo spots in Rome, the Eternal City.
Arco dei Banchi
The first hidden gem is relatively easy to find, yet I’ve witnessed countless tourists walk past this starry alleyway without glancing at it.
The Arco Dei Banchi, or Bank’s Arch, is two minutes from the often crowded Sant’Angelo’s Bridge near Castel Sant’Angelo.
Hundreds of years ago, this was part of the pathway that connected the city of Rome to the Vatican. Today, it’s a pretty spot to take pictures through its golden archway, with the painted blue starry sky above.
Entrance to Palazzo Zuccari
This hidden gem is my favourite photo spot in all of Rome. It’s near the top of the Spanish Steps and quite easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
You cannot go inside, even though I am terribly curious about what is behind that door. You can snap a quick selfie gazing up at the spectacularly gaping mouth (doorway).
The House of Monsters, or Palazzo Zuccari, is a 16th-century residence designed by artist Federico Zuccari.
Galleria Sciarra
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, the Galleria Sciarra is another of Rome’s hidden gems. While the exterior is unexceptional, take a stroll through its interior courtyard. Look up at the glass-domed roof and the courtyard walls. Its gorgeous red and golden frescos will enchant you. The motif celebrates women.
Galleria Sciarra was once a shopping arcade commissioned by an Italian prince, but today, it’s office space. Can you imagine working here?
It’s free to walk through the courtyard and admire this stunning Art Nouveau beauty. The best time to visit is midday when the sun shines through the roof onto the frescoed walls.
Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
In a city with more than 900 churches, Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza is my favourite, and I’ve never been inside (because it’s been under restoration.)
I love the symmetrical courtyard and the church’s unique corkscrew spire. The best part is that even though it’s near the Pantheon, the courtyard is usually empty.
It was designed by architect and artist Francesco Borromini, who was tasked with fitting the church into the existing Palazzo della Sapienza.
The courtyard is a hidden gem. Due to its limited opening hours, tourists rarely visit the church. But the courtyard is always accessible and free.
The Tempietto at San Pietro in Montorio
This hidden gem is less central than the others and requires a bit of a hike up Janiculum Hill. The 9th-century Church of San Pietro in Montorio isn’t difficult to find, but it’s the Tempietto that is one of Rome’s secret photo spots. Head to the metal gate to the right of the church’s entrance and take a peak.
From here, you can see the courtyard and view the Tempietto. It was designed by Donato Bramante and commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. This 16th-century tomb started the High Renaissance in Rome.
My favourite photos are at night. The Tempietto’s perfect symmetry is highlighted with subtle spotlights and centred through the courtyard’s arch.
View of the Forum
The Roman Forum is an open-air museum filled with triumphal arches, temples and clusters of columns that once formed the heart of ancient Rome. Today, you can pay to enter this fascinating collection of ruins, but if you want the best picture, head to this secret photo spot in Rome. It’s free!
Walk up to the courtyard of the Capitoline Museums, designed by Michelangelo. Take the pathway to the right and go behind the museum to discover an incredible viewpoint.
Visit at twilight for the best views of the Forum with the Colosseum in the background.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The only hidden gem in this series with a paid entrance is Galleria Doria Pamphilj. Arrive when it opens (reserve your tickets online in advance), and you may have some of the stunning glided galleries all to yourself.
Privately owned by the Doria Pamphilj family, the gallery has a marvellous art collection. From paintings to sculptures to antiquities, it features works by well-known Italian artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.
Caffè Doria has a stunning terrace in the Palazzo’s courtyard, an excellent spot for an aperitivo.
If you need more help planning your Rome trip, check out my Guide to Fall in Love with Rome and Hidden Gem Rooftop Bars in Rome.
