Posted by As you enter the heart of Rome, you will discover a city that not only boasts the splendor of ancient history, but also tells stories from the Middle Ages. Rome is often known for its ancient ruins and Renaissance art, but the Middle Ages left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. In this guide, we invite you to explore Rome’s hidden gems and little-known nooks and crannies that testify to its fascinating medieval era.
Medieval Architecture: Rome’s skyline is adorned with medieval masterpieces and ancient wonders. The soaring bell towers, narrow streets and hidden courtyards of the surrounding areas, including Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, offer a glimpse into medieval Rome. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a gem of medieval mosaics, and Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress that played an important role in the city’s medieval defense.
Medieval Churches: Go beyond the famous cathedral and discover smaller churches that retain the spirit of the Middle Ages. For example, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is said to stand on the site of the saint’s martyrdom and contains beautiful medieval frescoes. Explore the Basilica of San Clemente, a unique history with medieval and ancient layers.
The Aventine Hill: Stroll the enchanting Aventine Hill, where medieval charm meets lush gardens. Stroll through quiet streets, visit the Basilica of Santa Sabina, and discover picturesque orange gardens that offer panoramic views of Rome. The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta Monastery offers a fascinating view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Medieval Palaces and Towers: Climb the medieval towers scattered throughout the city for breathtaking views. Torre delle Milizie near the Roman Forum and Torre dei Conti near the Colosseum offer panoramic views as well as a glimpse of the city’s medieval defenses.
Important for travelers to Rome: We have only ever seen queues in Europe that are hundreds of meters long or several hours long in Rome. This is especially true for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets online beforehand and skip the queue!: There are such tickets on this link
Historic Districts: Immerse yourself in the charm of medieval neighborhoods like Monti, with its maze of cobbled streets and artisan workshops. Monti is home to the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, which has preserved its medieval layout and houses Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses.
Medieval events and festivals: Plan your visit to coincide with medieval events and festivals. Rome’s annual Renaissance Festival transforms certain areas into medieval spectacles with period costumes, music and performances.
As you explore Rome’s medieval past, you will discover that every pebble has a story. Enjoy the charm of medieval architecture, discover the secrets of ancient churches and explore neighborhoods where time stands still. The Middle Ages of Rome awaits you, promising a journey through a lesser-known but equally fascinating chapter of this eternal city.
Our 3 articles on the history of Rome: