Rome, a city filled with history and beauty, offers endless opportunities for exploration. While many visit its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum, there are also extraordinary openings and exclusive access to places in Rome that most tourists miss. These hidden treasures are accessible only through special events, night tours, or private guided visits. Whether you’re looking for a unique experience or just want to see Rome from a different perspective, these extraordinary openings provide a way to truly connect with the Eternal City.
Why Experience Extraordinary Openings in Rome?
Rome is home to some of the world’s most significant cultural, religious, and historical landmarks. However, there are many places that remain hidden from the typical tourist path. Extraordinary openings give you the chance to experience these landmarks and locations in a new way – through special access at night, during exclusive events, or on special tours.
Not only do you get to explore Rome’s hidden gems, but you can also have an intimate experience that’s tailored to your interests. Whether it’s visiting ancient ruins after hours, touring the Vatican Museums with a private guide, or seeing art collections that are usually closed to the public, these tours will provide memories that last a lifetime.
Our guided tours
Underground Rome: The Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto are one of the most intriguing and lesser-known attractions in Rome. These early Christian burial sites stretch for miles beneath the city. During the Underground Rome Tour, you’ll descend into the catacombs and learn about early Christian rites, burial practices, and the fascinating history of the ancient church. This is an exceptional way to discover a hidden, eerie side of Rome.
- Duration: 2 hours
- What you’ll see: Catacombs, ancient Christian burial sites
- Why it’s special: Unique underground experience, historical significance, less crowded
Exclusive Tour of Palazzo Barberini
Palazzo Barberini is one of Rome’s hidden gems. This 17th-century palace houses an incredible collection of art by famous masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. The Exclusive Tour of Palazzo Barberini allows you to experience this magnificent palace in a private and intimate setting. During the tour, you’ll explore the art galleries, enjoy breathtaking views from the palace’s terrace, and learn about the Barberini family’s fascinating history.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- What you’ll see: Caravaggio’s “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” Raphael’s “The Deposition,” panoramic views from the terrace
- Why it’s special: Small group tour, exclusive art collection, private access
Crypts and Bones Tour: The Capuchin Crypts and the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione
For a truly unique and slightly eerie experience, the Crypts and Bones Tour takes you to the Capuchin Crypts and Santa Maria della Concezione. Here, you’ll see the remains of thousands of monks arranged in artistic displays, creating a fascinating and somewhat macabre view of death. This tour offers a deeply historical and spiritual look at the Capuchin order and its relationship to death and the afterlife.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- What you’ll see: Capuchin Crypts, bone art, Santa Maria della Concezione church
- Why it’s special: Unique historical and spiritual experience, less touristy, fascinating and eerie display
Galleria Doria Pamphilj: Private Art Collection Tour
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a private gallery showcasing a stunning collection of artwork by Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini, among others. This exclusive tour takes you through the halls of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, where you’ll enjoy personal access to one of the most incredible private collections in Rome. The art, architecture, and history behind the collection make this an unforgettable experience for art lovers.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- What you’ll see: Caravaggio’s works, portraits of the Doria Pamphilj family, beautiful palatial rooms
- Why it’s special: Private collection, exclusive access, in-depth historical context
San Martino ai Monti Undergrounds
This tour is an immersive experience that explores different eras of Rome, from the Imperial Age, to early Christianity, to the High Middle Ages—each of which had significant consequences on the future development of Rome and beyond.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- What you’ll see: Underground spaces, early Christian structures, medieval relics
- Why it’s special: Rare insight into Rome’s historical layers, hidden underground sites
The Highest Terrace in Rome
Villa Maraini – Swiss Institute
This tour is an immersive experience that explores different eras of Rome, from the Imperial Age, to early Christianity, to the High Middle Ages—each of which had significant consequences on the future development of Rome and beyond.
- Duration: 2 hours
- What you’ll see: Villa Maraini, panoramic views of Rome
- Why it’s special: Panoramic views, historic cultural site, proximity to St. Peter’s Basilica
Underground of the Circus Maximus
This tour is an immersive experience that explores different eras of Rome, from the Imperial Age, to early Christianity, to the High Middle Ages—each of which had significant consequences on the future development of Rome and beyond.
- Duration: 2 hours
- What you’ll see: Villa Maraini, panoramic views of Rome
- Why it’s special: Panoramic views, historic cultural site, proximity to St. Peter’s Basilica
Testaccio – The Mount of Pottery Shards
We will discover Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill 54 meters high, created from amphorae used to transport goods in ancient Rome. This incredible archaeological site offers a unique perspective on Roman commerce and waste management.
- Duration: 1 hour
- What you’ll see: Pottery shards, ancient Rome’s industrial side
- Why it’s special: Archaeological uniqueness, industrial history
The House of the Knights of Rhodes – The Smallest Nation in the World
An incredible historical building that houses Roman, medieval, and Renaissance relics. It was once the headquarters of the Roman Priory of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, later known as the Knights of Rhodes and Knights of Malta. Since 1946, it has been the residence of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- What you’ll see: Medieval and Renaissance architecture, Knights of Malta history
- Why it’s special: Unique historical site, the smallest nation in the world