Author name: Anita Beyond the Sea

Since ancient times, the Tuscany area was well known for its high quality white marble. For more than 2000 years the extraction activity shaped the profile of the mountains. More recently, world conflicts and the raising awareness of the importance of protecting the mountains caused the closing of many extraction activities in the area. Following the study of Siena University, the number of abandoned marble quarries in the area of Carrara and the Apuan Alps is 510 sites. But which are the most beautiful to visit? In this guide, I will show you where to find them and what to expect.

Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!

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Disclaimer: Visiting abandoned places is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any trouble or injury incurred while exploring. However, we encourage you to use a little common sense to get an idea of how to safely explore.

Henraux’s “Le Tagliate”, Serravezza

Le Tagliate, from Italian means chopped, is one of the most spectacular abandoned marble quarries you will ever see! In 2021, the artist collective Glitch transformed the white walls into an open air art gallery with beautiful murals. Since then the location has become very popular, and you will find bikers, climbers, photographers, and many people visiting, especially in the Summer months.

To access the quarry, you will have to pass by a “no entry” sign in front of a high gallery. The gallery opens on a middle level, from where you can explore other floors. In some points the passages are narrow and if you suffer from vertigo you shouldn’t go there. There are still many murals you can access without any risk.

If you go on the left there is a small lake that freezes in Winter. One of the most beautiful murals is there: the profile of a man reflecting in the waters. It’s really suggestive!

Would you like to know more about Henraux’s Le Tagliate marble quarry? Check out this blog post.

Valsora, Pian della Fioba

Valsora has been at the center of a conflict between environmentalists and the marble companies in the most recent years, because of a small inhabitant, the Apuan newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris apuana). This small lizard has chosen the beautiful natural lake that was formed through the years inside the marble quarry.

After a long legal battle, the newt won. Nowadays you can visit the scenario by paying an entry fee of 8€. Before your visit, I highly recommend you contact the ticket office as they are not open every day. Contact them on their Facebook page Cava Valsora. The ticket office has also a small kiosk where you can buy a drink to enjoy in the beautiful scenario.

Abandoned marble quarry of Passo del vestito

A few meters from Cava Valsora, there is a second abandoned terrace that has incredible views of the coastline. Even if it doesn’t have the scenic lake of neighboring Valsora, the views are equally beautiful and there is no entry fee. Moreover, it is a nice alternative if you don’t want to walk, as the quarry is almost on the road.

Note: Cava Valsora and Passo del Vestito are strategic as they are on the same road which leads to Henraux. On the same day, you can easily visit the three of them.

Madielle marble quarry on Pasquilio

Madielle is one of the most interesting marble quarries as you can observe the disastrous consequences of the excavation process. The mountain’s peak was completely “eaten” by the extraction activities.

Today the mountain is the site of telecommunications antennas, which contribute to giving a surreal ambiance to the place. The panorama from there is the best among all the locations on the list.

And even if the above-listed reasons are not enough, add Madielle to your list as it’s at the starting point of the Folgorito Mountain trail, one of the easiest and most beautiful Apuan Alps trails with some incredible views of the coast.

Mineraria Apuana quarry

Another open air art gallery is the incredible Mineraria Apuana quarry nearby Forno. Situated on a scenic corner of the Frigido River, this quarry surprises visitors with the abandoned beauty of the scenery.

Ancient structures once used to treat the marble and for administrative purposes, are still visible today. The walls are covered by murals and ancient engines are still visible.

This location is completely surreal but it’s probably more interesting for urbex explorers and photographers. You will see fewer white marble walls but I still highly recommend visiting it for its incredible scenery.

Where to find them?

You have the locations, but where can you find them? Check out the map below and start exploring. Remember to bring your camera for some epic shots!

Things to know before exploring an abandoned marble quarry

Exploring abandoned places is fascinating, but of course, you are on your own and the risks are way higher. Risks of collapse are real even if the marble blocks look stable. For these reasons when exploring don’t take risks.

You should also wear comfortable shoes and ideally cover your legs. In case you fell on the gravel you will have fewer scratches. You may want to note that during Winter the surfaces are more slippery due to rain and ice.

One last rule for urbex exploration in general: don’t ever go alone!

If anything happens to you, you have no idea of the time it will take other people to find you.

In conclusion

If you are interested in seeing the hidden side of Tuscany, you should definitely consider exploring these beautiful quarries. But have you ever considered visiting an active marble quarry? In this guide I will show you the best guided tours to explore the active marble quarries nearby Carrara. Some include even inside tours!

Are you visiting Tuscany soon? As a native I have plenty of guides for you. From iconic and classic sight seeings to hidden gems you don’t want to miss!

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Nestled in Roumania’s Carpathian mountains, Mocanita is the last narrow gauge steam train in Europe. The railway line connected Roumania’s Northern regions of Bukovina, Transilvania, and Maramures. Nowadays in addition to its practical function of wood transportation, it has become also one of Maramures most famous attractions. Wanna join the ride? Let’s start an epic journey onboard Mocanita!

Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!

All the photos from this blog post were taken by the amazing award-winning photographer Claudio Sericano. Thank you dad for your precious contribution!

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Mocanita’s short story

The term Mocăniță derives from the Romanian word mocan which describes people who live in the mountains. Recently the name has been associated with the Italian coffee machine invented by Alfonso Bialetti, the Moka. The huge steam machine would remind it when in action. And if you have seen the picture you can see why!

In Maramures the Mocanita’s railway line dates back to the early 1930 and was used for logging. Since 2004, the line is now a major touristy attraction and welcomes many local tourists every year, who are willing the enjoy the beauty of Vaser’s valley.

Everything you need to know about riding the Mocanita

Start your trip in Viseus de Sus + buying the tickets

Viseu de Sus is a small town, rather modern compared to other villages in the area. However the moment you will step inside the train station, it would be like going back in time. Old wagons and locomotives are on display like in a steampunk cemetery.

The train station is also where you can buy your tickets. Even though, if you are traveling during Summer months you should book your tickets online, as it gets fully booked easily and you will also skip the long lines.

You can buy a simple ticket for 84 Lei (about 17€), or a ticket with lunch for 137 Lei (about 28€). Lunch consists of grilled meat, a drink, a treat, and coffee. I personally haven’t tried it, but I know that many tourists weren’t happy with their meal for the price. With this in mind, my advice would be to organize yourself for a picnic instead or wait to be back in Viseu de Sus and eat there.

In case you take the lunch option, you will eat at the last stop in Paltin.

The Steam Train wagons

Normally, there are about 5 fully functional steam trains that carry tourists and wood every day, with the first ride starting around 9 AM.

Each train has different compartments: the locomotive with its wagon for the wood (unlike many other steam trains, Mocanita is powered by wood). The passengers wagons, that are adjusted depending on the number of reservations. Some have an enclosed cabin while others are open. And finally there are wagons for wood transport, that are not attached to the train when the tourists are on.

Keep in mind that with the train in motion, the open wagon gets colder, especially in winter months. If you have the choice you should consider sitting inside.

You are now ready for your ride, so what can you expect?

Riding in Vaser Valley

The train’s speed is 10/15 kilometers per hour.

Vaser Valley is incredibly beautiful! The railroad follows the Vaser river along traditional houses, forests, waterfalls, and bridges. You get also to cross a wooden arch that is called “The Maramures Gate”.

Due to the fact it’s steam-powered, the train stops about every 8 kilometers to resource water from the river. That’s when you can get off your wagon and admire the landscape around you.

Additionally, sometimes you will cross some bizarre minivans that run on the railroad. They are mainly used by the rangers or the police to move up in the mountains quickly.

The tourist ride stops in Paltin a small train station, where you can have a short walk in the forest and eat your lunch or picnic. Just remember you will have two hours so don’t venture too much.

Pro-tip for photographers

And that would be all for a “normal” tourist excursion. Unless, if you are passionate about photography, you may be interested in taking part to the preparation stage of the locomotives.

The day starts early for the train drivers who must load the wood for the journey and lubricate the engines. The place and people are wrapped in smoke creating some suggestive and fascinating scenes.

If you are interested head over to the Viseu de Sus train station between 6 and 6.30 AM.

How to get to Viseu de Sus?

The nearest airport is Baia Mare, Maramures’ siege. From there you should rent a car (rentalcars.com is the best!) and drive for about 2 hours (108 kilometers) to Viseu de Sus.

Where should you stay?

Distances aren’t long in Maramures. Therefore, unless you are planning to go early in the morning, you could also consider basing in Barsana or Stramtura, as they are in a central position.

If instead, you want to stay in Viseu de Sus, I can’t recommend enough Vila FAN Confort. Even if it was only for one day, the villa was unforgettable! The icing on the cake? It is just 100 meters away from the train station.

When is the best time to ride the Mocanita steam train?

I’ll go against the trend and say that the best time to ride the Mocanita and visit Maramures, in general, is during Winter. The landscapes are simply magical covered in snow. Not to mention Christmas celebrations in Maramures, from traditional costumes to incredible landscapes. Everything gets more magical.

Otherwise, you can visit in late Spring or early Summer. However, be prepared for local tourism, Maramures gets really crowded in the Summer months!

Is it worth riding the Mocanita?

Yes, it’s indeed a great experience. Especially if you have never been on a steam train before. The experience is unique, just don’t expect a luxurious ride like the magical Nordic or Swiss trains. It’s more for train lovers and old times nostalgic.

And that’s all for our Mocanita steam train ride! If you are planning a trip to Roumania’s Northern counties, you will love our suggestions for the best things to see when traveling in Maramures.

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From charming churches and monasteries to the last steam train in the Carpathian region, traveling to Maramures means going back in time. And if the welcoming Romanians won’t steal your heart with their warm hospitality the incredible rural experiences will. Let’s dive into the most detailed travel guide about the best things to do in Maramures.

The photo from the cover is by the local Romanian photographer Markus Sorin.

Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!

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1. Visit Sighetu Marmatiei

This city of 40.000 inhabitants was once the capital of Maramures. During World War II, Sighetu Marmatiei was the largest ghetto in the region, with more than 10.000 prisoners. Among them also Sighetu’s native, Elie Wiesel, who later won the Nobel Peace Prize. Nowadays you can visit Elie Wiesel Memorial House, a large collection of the awarded author’s objects and photos, inaugurated by the writer himself.

Although the most important monument of the city’s dark past is the Memorial to the Resistance and Victims of Communism. Situated in an ancient political prison, the museum covers the dramatic events during the Communism period in Romania and also in the neighboring nations.

You can’t end your visit without seeing Sighet Village Museum. This open-air museum traces the story of Romanian traditional architecture through the centuries, by showing different houses. It’s also interesting to admire the evolution of architectural and decorative elements.

2. See Europe’s highest wooden structure: Peri Monastery

Close by the Merry Cemetery, in Sapanta, there is Europe’s highest wooden building. I’m talking about Peri Monastery. Even though the monastery dates to 1997, they built it using ancient techniques. The impressive 78 meters tower has many detailed and beautiful decorations that make the ensemble a must-see when visiting Sapanta.

Before going have a look at the Jewish cemetery nearby the monastery. In complete contrast with the Merry Cemetery, the place has a romantic/haunted feeling especially when the sun starts to go down.

3. Wander in Sapanta’s Merry Cemetery

The Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel in Romanian) is one of the most-well known attractions in Sapanta, a small village 4 kilometers from Ukraine’s borders. What makes it special? There are more than 800 wooden crosses painted in bright blue, with carved icons of the deceased.

The craftsman Stan Ioan Patras started the tradition almost 100 years ago by starting to create these merry tombstones. In addition to the beautiful decoration and bright colors, a short text completes the small monuments, reminding a peculiarity of the deceased. Many tombs have also poems or parodies and funny texts.

The reasons behind this “happy” vision of death are the inhabitants’ belief that Death is not the end but the beginning of a second chapter.

4. Explore the World Heritage Site, Barsana ancient Church

Not to be mistaken with Barsana New Monastery.

The Entry of the Virgin at the Temple Church is one of the most extraordinary Churches in the region and in Roumania. The story of the church began in the early 18th century when the wooden structure was built in a location called Părul Călugărului (Monk’s Hair literally). Soon after its construction, the monks disassembled and rebuilt it in the Barsana Monastery Area. Where today the modern complex stands.

BUT the church’s pilgrimage to its final destination wasn’t over. Soon after the monks abandoned Barsana Monasteries, the inhabitants of the village decided to bring closer the wooden structure to the city. The new location wasn’t a hazardous choice. In fact, it was moved to a hill that was the burial site of the victims of the plague that infested the area in 1742.

Besides its incredible story, what makes the Entry of the Virgin at the Temple Church more special, are its incredible frescoes, showing scenes from Genesis, the Last Judgement, the Old Testament, and the Passion of Jesus.

5. Visit the New Monastery of Barsana

The original complex dates back to the 14th century. Unfortunately, centuries of raids, battles, and opposition from the government, forced its reconstruction multiple times.

The complex that today is a well-known peaceful oasis was built in 1993 following ancient techniques. And like all the other churches it’s built in wood. There are several buildings that are very beautiful to walk by.

Why wood? When the Hungarian government controlled the region, they prohibited the use of stone to build orthodox churches. Instead, the craftsmen used oak and created incredible carved decorations

6. Explore Saint Paraschiva Church in Botiza

Just like Barsana Ancient Church, Saint Paraschiva was moved to the place it stands today after being disassembled. The first building construction dates back to 1796, in the small village Viseu de Jos. Following Botiza’s growth, a neighboring village, the community decided to move it to a new location.

The church is full of light because it has more windows comparing other churches in the region. The beautiful frescoes are dark but decorated with many flowers. As a result, the church is beautifully decorated and very interesting to see.

7. Admire the beautiful St. Nicholas Church in Budesti

One of the largest and most beautiful churches in the region, St. Nicholas Church was built in 1643. Its interiors and exteriors are equally beautiful for the rich decoration and colorful frescoes.

The church features an admirable collection of wooden and stained glass icons. Before going you can wander among the charming streets of the lovely Budesti village. A small but welcoming community.

8. Get to know the locals in Breb

Almost every village or town in Maramures has the lost in time feeling. But in Breb that’s more of an immersion. An agricultural centred village that feels like the set of a historic movie. The wooden houses and the inhabitants’ traditional costumes make it an incredible experience.

People are also very friendly and will be eager to greet and welcome you. Sometimes even inside their houses. If you are a passionate photographer don’t be afraid to ask them to pose, they will do it with a smile on.

Simply wandering in the streets is a lovely experience.

9. Explore Stramtura lovely town

Another typical village and a must-see is Stramtura. Situated in Maramures center, this is also the ideal place to stay as it’s close to every interesting site, including Barsana village.

Something to pay attention to? The houses’ entrance doors and gates. They are all carefully decorated in the unique style that is so typical of the Marmures wood carving tradition. Similarly to Breb, many villagers live out of agriculture and farming. It’s really common to see horse-trained chariots and other animals in the streets and courtyards.

10. Meet incredible artisans in Sacel

The uniqueness of this small village is the many artists that live there. Sacel is famous for its red pottery which uses ancient Dacian techniques.

Would you like to visit an atelier of traditional masks? Head to the workshop of Vasile Susca. For many years he has been creating beautiful masks from the Romanian tradition.

11. Admire Mocanita, one of the last narrow gauge steam trains

Mocanita is a narrow-gauge railway once used for cargo or passenger transportation that connected the regions of Maramures, Transylvania, and Bukovina. Nowadays there are a few steam trains that remain in use for tourist purposes.

Notice during Summer the train get really crowded, expect also for waiting lines. The experience is still 100% worth it!

Book the tickets to the Mocanita train online to skip the line at the station. The trip lasts about 6 hours and has three stops in the incredible Vaser Valley. I would not recommend buying the food during your tour. Instead, organize yourself with a sandwich or eat when the tour is over. At the last stop, before heading back, traditional dancers and music await to entertain tourists.

The landscapes on the way are amazing and the whole ride is very pleasant, although you may want to consider seating in the covered part of the train during winter, due to the cold breeze.

Want to know how a ride is? Check out our Mocanita dedicated post.

12. Chase views in Borsa

Let me start by saying that there are plentiful incredible landscapes in Maramures. Heavenly valleys and enchanting forests, and of course the rustic villages. Along with the above-mentioned, Borsa has a mountainous outline that reminds the Alps. Absolutely beautiful under Winter snow, during Summer you will get to enjoy the many possible hikes that start from there.

Not to miss: the trail to the Horses Waterfall. To get there you will take a chairlift that has an incredible view of the valley and on Borsa. Once you arrived, there is a short walk (about 1 kilometer) to Roumania’s tallest waterfall, 95 meters. The views on the way are really worth the effort too. Just note to take comfortable hiking shoes, especially in winter when the ground gets slippery.

13. Attend a Sunday mass

Even if you have different religious beliefs, attending Sunday mass in one of the beautiful local monasteries or churches is an incredible experience. The Orthodox Catholic ceremony lasts about 2 hours and is divided into different phases.

First, the faithfuls arrive, dressed in their most beautiful traditional costumes. Once inside, they light candles in memory of their beloved ones. Then the service can begin. Most prayers are sung, and the whole mass has a joyful atmosphere.

The celebration continues outside the place of worship where Prosfora, similar in meaning to consecrated host, is offered to the faithfuls. The remaining host is given to the faithful and brought home.

FAQ for planning your trip to Marmures

Is it worth visiting Maramures?

Maramures is a region rich in history and of undeniable natural beauty. But what makes it unique are its people. People from Maramures are some of the most welcoming in the world. It’s really common to be invited to enter their houses and be offered drinks when wandering in the villages. And that’s when the magic begins.

Their lifestyle will bring you back in time to half a century or more. People have cars, cellphones, and even Facebook profiles, but you will see also many horse-drawn carriages and some houses still have external bathrooms inside small wooden cabins.

Many houses also have a “museum piece”. An extraordinary room where carpets cover from the floor to ceiling, and where the most important objects are displayed.

When is the best time to visit Maramures?

In Summer the temperatures make it easier to walk around and enjoy the hikes in the idyllic nature. But when Winter lays its snow mantle on the valleys and houses, the landscape looks out of a fairytale.

How to arrive and move around

Maramures airport is Baia Mare, in the region’s South East. The best connections are from Milan (30€) and London (50€), operated by Wizz Air, or Paris (74€) by Ryanair.

The best way to move around is by renting a car. Once more I have to recommend our favorite car rental service: rentalcars.com. Thanks to the fact they work with the biggest car rental brands, they can always offer the most competitive prices. The daily cost of renting a car is around 20€.

Where to stay?

There are many hotels in Maramures, as Romanians love the region and there is a lot of local tourism. As the distances are not long you could easily pick an accommodation and move from there to the major points of interest. There are solutions for every kind of traveler, even spa hotels. But I highly recommend choosing more “authentic” accommodations to put yourself in the mood.

Our pick: We had a royal welcome at Sanziene Pension in Stramtura. Our host Zakaria was absolutely lovely. In addition to the friendly staff, the ambiance is typical of the region, but with all the comforts! There is a bathroom inside each room. One more reason to choose Sanziene? Its central position. You will get easily everywhere in less than an hour.

Continue exploring Europe’s gems

Roumania is absolutely magical! And we are preparing more posts about Maramures incredible region. Meanwhile you can continue reading about the many destinations we write about in our destinations page.

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Rome is amazing! But it’s also (understandably) very crowded, almost every time of the year. If you are looking for authentic and off the beaten path activities to do you are in the right place! I’ve asked my uncle (a local guide) to list me the best non touristy things to do in Rome. This is what he came up with. From relaxing in parks to exploring local neighborhoods. Without no further ado, let’s dive into the most exciting off the beaten path activities in Rome for a truly unique vacation!

Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!

In This Article

Before we start…

These activities are perfect if you are staying in Rome for 3 days or more. In case you have less time, I’d recommend focusing your time and energy to discover the “classic” attractions. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, etc…

Did you know you can “conquer” Rome in a day? With this practical travel guide (complete with a map, and the time to walk from one location to the other), you will get to visit all Rome’s landmarks in a day! Although I highly recommend you spend more than one day in Italy’s capital.

And if you are preparing a complete itinerary check out the best Colosseum tours.

Drink espresso in Antonio Canova’s former atelier

Just a few minutes from the Spanish Steps, Museum Atelier Canova Tadolini is one of the most incredible restaurants in Rome. As you may have guessed from its name, this bar and restaurant is also a showcase to an incredible collection of plaster copies of Antonio Canova’s statues, and one of his pupils Adamo Tadolini.

In 1818 Canova bought the atelier in the famous via del Babbuino (literally Baboon’s street), and lived and worked there with Tadolini. The Atelier then went to the Tadolini family, who continued to create statues until 1960. In 2003 it reopened as a bar and restaurant but kept all the plasters on display as 5 generations of sculptors left them. Now you can admire the incredible works of master Canova while tasting spaghetti alla carbonara.

Admire the view from Fontanone dell’acqua Paola

On Gianicolo hill and before arriving at the noon cannon, there is a beautiful panoramic point where many wedding photographers bring their couples. It’s Fontanone dell’acqua Paola (Big Fountain of Paolo’s Water).

The baroque fountain was built in the second half of the seventh century. Surprisingly it’s one of the few in Rome on a panoramic spot. Of course without counting Villa d’Este’s fountains. Before heading to Garibaldi’s statue and panoramic point, this is indeed a great spot to take some photos.

Watch the Cannon at noon from Gianicolo hill

In addition to the beautiful view of Rome, Gianicolo, one of Rome’s seven hills, is well known by the locals for another tradition, the noon cannon.

Every day, since 1904, at noon the cannon gets outside from its bunker, which is situated under Giuseppe Garibaldi statue, and greets the crowd by shooting blanks. The reason behind this is to let all Rome’s churches ring their bells at the same time.

You can attend this unusual event from two points. On top of the bunker, above the canon, to enjoy the panorama at the same time. Or next to the canon. No matter what you choose, remember that the noise is very loud!

Explore the underground Vatican Necropolis

Under one of the most visited attractions in the world, lies one of Rome’s best kept secrets: the Vatican Necropolis.

What makes it absolutely unique is its conservation state. To this day, several centuries after their creation, the Necropolis frescoes are still in perfect condition. They even maintained their original colors!

Visiting the underground Vatican Necropolis is a unique experience. But due to the very special atmospheric conditions, only 250 people per day are allowed to visit. If this experience is on your bucket list, you should reserve your visit the moment you book your flights to Rome. To do that you must write to the entity that manage the archaeological site following their instructions. You can find all the reservation information here. The ticket cost 13€.

No photos are allowed in order to don’t damage the colors.

Observe an ancient Pyramid

Soon after Augustus conquered Egypt in 30 B.C., Romans adopted Egyptian culture and architecture. From Obelisks to Sphinxes and even Pyramids! Even if there aren’t many official documents about the total number of pyramids (most likely between 4 to 6), Cestio’s Pyramid survived centuries of battles and bad weather. The Pyramid has been built in a once burial ground as the tomb of Caio Cestio,

You can see the 36 meters high Pyramid from the outside in the Ostiense neighborhood. For guided visits inside reserve via their website CoopCulture. Even though I don’t recommend buying the 6€ ticket as almost all the decorations inside were stolen through the years.

When admiring the Ostiense Pyramid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the monument Tutti Potenziali Bersagli (translation All potential targets). A tribute to the social groups killed during the Holocaust.

Wander among Trastevere’s alleys

Even though in the most recent years Trastevere has grown more and more popular, it’s still incomprehensibly a less known neighborhood in Rome. Loved by the locals for its active nightlife and excellent restaurants, you can enjoy Trastevere at every moment of the day.

Besides the charming alleys where you will be tempted by delicious restaurants, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Santa Maria in Trastevere. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. Golden mosaics and one of the most impressive baroque chapels: Antonio Gherardi’s Avila Chapel.

Visit Rome’s Small Duomo di Milano

This is a fun one. Did you know that there is a small Duomo di Milano in Rome? Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio reminds Milan’s landmark because of its Gothic Revival style.

The interior is decorated with polychrome marble, and stained glasses play with the light that enters and colors the interiors. Note: the best moment to visit the church is early in the morning as the sunlight enters via the stained glass and enlightens the whole church.

You can stop by the Piccolo Duomo di Milano, on your way to Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s just a few minutes away. And you will get to admire the exterior of the Supreme Court and Palace of Justice, a majestic Renaissance/Baroque building.

Stroll among the incredible buildings of the Fascist period

There is no doubt that one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome is the EUR short for Esposizione Universale di Roma (Rome’s Universal Expo). EUR was designed in 1930 with the main purpose to be the location of the 1942 World’s Fair and to celebrate 20 years of Mussolini’s rise to power.

Following the unfortunate events of World War II the Expo never took place, but the majestic buildings remained. When visiting the neighborhood you shouldn’t overlook one of Rome most iconic buildings, the Square Colosseum. Besides being the set of many movies, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is nowadays the headquarter of the luxury fashion house Fendi.

Another must see is La Nuvola (the Cloud), a modern convention center that hosts temporary exhibitions and other events.

Be amazed by the grandiosity of Stadio dei Marmi

The Stadium of the Marbles is part of a larger complex known as Foro Italico. Just like EUR, Mussolini commissioned the Foro Italico when he was Italy’s leader. His project was to create a large sports complex to restore Rome’s glorious past. The huge Olympic park includes also the Olympic Stadium, the Tennis Court, and the Olympic Swimming Stadium.

What makes the structure stand out is the decoration. There are 60 marble statues, each one 4 meters high, representing mythological figures as well as athletes in action.

The Marbles’ Stadium is open daily from 8.30 AM to 8 PM. On Saturday it closes its doors at 6 PM, while Sunday opening time is from 9.30 AM to 1 PM.

Shop like a local at one of Rome’s Flea Markets

Born soon after the war, as a way for poor people to buy goods, flea markets have become a real attraction in Rome. Among the most famous how not to mention the largest of Porta Portese?

Every Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM, this market welcomes products from many different origins. You can find almost everything there, including exotic souvenirs.

If you are more into antique objects you shouldn’t miss the Milvio Bridge flea market. From statues to ancient toys or posters, you will find many curious and strange objects there. I guess the problem is to keep enough place in your luggage.

Discover Galleria Sciarra and its art nouveau decoration

Literally a few meters away from the Trevi fountain, hides one of the most astonishing examples of art nouveau in Rome. Galleria Sciarra is a small courtyard commissioned by the influential Prince Maffeo Barberini Colonna di Sciarra, to connect his properties.

The decoration is a tribute to women and most especially to Maffeo’s mother, whose initials are at the entrance of the gallery. Many decorative elements recall also Etruscan, Roman, and Greek cultures.

Sciarra Gallery is open from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6.30 PM.

If you liked Galleria Sciarra don’t forget to visit also Galleria Alberto Sordi. Very close to the Pantheon, this is another excellent example of art nouveau in Rome. The gallery is also much larger and more crowded than Galleria Sciarra. However, there are also coffee and bars inside.

Visit Doria Pamphilj Art Gallery

Doria Pamphilj Art Gallery is on one of the most crowded streets of Rome, via del Corso. It’s the street that connects Piazza del Popolo to Altare della Patria (Altar of Fatherland). Even so, there are a few people that enter to visit Doria Pamphilj palace and art gallery.

Featuring works of art from Jan Brueghel the elder, Parmigianino, Velazquez, Titian, and even Caravaggio and Raphael, this is indeed one of the most incredible art private collections. The icing on the cake? One of the most incredible halls reminds of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors.

The gallery opens from Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM. While from Friday to Sunday the opening hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM. The entry fee is 14€.

Get lost in Villa Borghese’s beautiful gardens

Ok, I’ll confess. Villa Borghese Park and Gardens are not a non-touristy activity. BUT, just like Villa Adriana, even if there are a thousand or more people at the same time you won’t notice it, because the park is huge.

Even if Villa Borghese is well known there are very few tourists that venture inside. Mostly stop at the beautiful terrace of Pincio, which is just above Piazza del Popolo. And yet there’s no better place to have a picnic while admiring the ancient architecture, or just to rest your sore feet after a long day.

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Which non touristy activity have you loved the most?

Personally, it’s so difficult to choose! But I’m curious to see which one you will pick. And please if there are some activities you feel I should add let me know. I’ll be glad to test them.

Are you preparing a trip to Rome and Lazio? Check out our Italy travel guides (ordered by region) for a perfect vacation. And for more Rome-related inspirational locations check out the best Rome photo spots.

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