Five Roman attractions to visit by appointment only

It’s tricky to be on social media these days – influencers abound, and regardless of the content they produce, it’s easy enough to be swayed into a way of thinking according to which everything on our feeds needs to be exclusive and tailored to our own individuality. Take travel influencers, for instance: hopping from one place to another, (mostly) sharing content about the once-in-a-lifetime experiences they’re having thousands of miles from home. While on the one hand we realize that this isn’t believable unless you pay top money, we still are the lookout for some of those ourselves. Well, the good news is some of these experiences are very possible in Rome, and at very low prices too! In this post, we have put together five highly recommended visits to otherwise inaccessible places.

Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi (House of the Knights of Rhodes)

With incredible views of the Forums and Trajan’s Market, this is one of the most exclusive places in central Rome. And yet it is public. The access modalities are almost the same as for Monte Testaccio: the site can accommodate a maximum of 25 people. It can be visited as a group with your own guide or as an individual by calling 060608 for reservations. Visits currently take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays. More information here.

Address: Piazza del Grillo, 1 (Monti)

Monte Testaccio

The Monte dei Cocci, made of amphora remains, which stands proudly in the Mattatoio area of Testaccio, is not just a Roman site you can walk around admiring its layers: you can climb it! It is open to a maximum of 30 visitors at a time. You can go either as a group (with your own guide) or as a single visitor: all you have to do is call 060608 (the number for cultural activities at City Hall, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.). They will be able to give you all the relevant information on when and how to visit. Individual visitors can also gain access by taking advantage of a special calendar, with the next opening on April 10. The full calendar can be seen here.

Address: Via Nicola Zabaglia, 24 at the corner with Via Galvani (Testaccio).

Priory of the Knights of Malta

Can it be true? Can one really visit the otherwise unaccessible property from whose keyhole one can see the Dome of St. Peter’s? Well yes, the visit is allowed only to groups by emailing a reservation to the address you will find, along with other information, on this page. Visits are only possible from September to June, on days also indicated on the page we linked to.

Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 4 (Aventine Hill)

Villa Farnesina

The majestic villa by Agostino Chigi, the early ruler of Renaissance Rome, is now the home to the Accademia dei Lincei, Italy’s most prestigious scientific institutions, but it can be absolutely visited! Opening hours are a little tricky, but know that the building and its art, in large part by Raphael is absolutely worth the time spending securing your tickets (information is here).

Address: Via della Lungara, 230 (Trastevere)

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (“Fontanone” Fountain)

A fountain is, by default, a free site to visit. Where is the exclusivity? Why would you even bother climbing all the way up to the Janiculum Hill? The secret is behind this symbol of Rome itself: a secret garden, which once again only opens its doors to 25 people at a time. And once again, it is 060608 that one must call for access: as a group or as individuals (for them, an extra visit is scheduled for February 14!).

Address: Via Garibaldi (Janiculum Hill)