Places istnbl Wants to Go

More sculpture than building, this architecturally significant temple was built on the spot of Saint Peter's crucifixion.

This ancient Roman prison is decorated with an upside-down cross not as blasphemy but as saintly tribute.

One of seven Jewish catacombs in Rome and one of only two open to the public.

An abandoned Roman salami factory has found new life as an art space home to 200 squatters.

One of the most important yet well-hidden museums dedicated to the history of medicine.

Installed in an act of one-upsmanship, the annual sundial in this church is also a symbolic victory for the Gregorian calendar.

A hospital where antique dolls are given new life.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

This former Roman Catholic Church still contains the embalmed hearts and organs of 22 popes.

A fairy tale castle in modern Rome.

A collection of objects supposedly singed by the hands of souls in purgatory.

This beautiful park on the outskirts of Rome protects the ruins of two colossal ancient aqueducts.

Jesus' footprints and the first catacombs in the world.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

The engineering wonder and pleasure dome of a much-maligned emperor still holds undiscovered secrets.

At the crypt of St. Mary of Eulogies and the Dead you are left alone to ponder mortality among piles of skulls.

The only "Egyptian" pyramid in Europe and the legendary tomb of Remus.

The underground sanctuary of a mysterious ancient cult.

An alchemist's “magic door” stands in the middle of a Roman park.

Rome’s legendary peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

A master of trompe-l'oeil creates a stunning, tourist-fooling dome out of a flat ceiling.

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered.