Secret Rome

Visit places closed to the public, admire exceptional works of art away from the tourist circuit, listen to a concert in a magnificent hidden oratory, have your dog or car blessed, puzzle over a rare catoptric meridian or a wonderful anamorphic fresco, discover the remarkable motorized Rubens, enter into the secrets of the Vatican, rediscover a lost Bernini masterpiece, say a prayer before an image of the Holy Face of Jesus like that deposited on the moon in 1968, organize a dinner for two in a private palace, protect your throat from the rigorous of winter… Far from the crowds and the usual clichés, Rome is still a reserve of well-concealed treasures only revealed to those who know how to wander off the beaten track, whether residents or visitors. An indispensable guide for those who thought they knew Rome well, or who would like to discover the hidden face of the city.

Adriano Morabito is a Rome native who is still passionate about his city and its less well-known sites, began focusing his attention on urban speleology in 1999. He is one of the founders of “Roma Sotterranea,” an association active in the exploration and study of underground tombs of historical and archaelogical interest: www.romasotterranea.it

Marco Gradozzi is also a Rome native who still lives in the Campo Marzio district, Marco Gradozzi has a passion for archaelogy, photography, music and folk traditions. He has been an active participant in the “Roma Sotterranea” association since 2007. Website: www.romansurvey.it

Ginevra Lovatelli is the author of the first version of this guide. She organizes original private tours to discover Rome. Website: www.secretrome.com