Exploring The Vatican and Rome’s Hidden Gems

Intro

My Easter/Passover trip in Italy was shaping up to be one of my favorite ones I have ever had. I did not visit this country for 10 years, avoiding it thinking I would not see anything interesting or new. But so far, I had been captivated once again by the beautiful scenery and nature, the precious and deep history, and the incomparable food and warmth of their people.

You can see these chapters of this trip right now:

For now, I was arriving to Rome, and after getting to Roma Termini from Salerno, I went to the hotel, not too far from the terminal.

The Vatican

Stepping into Vatican City feels like entering a breathtaking time capsule where art, history, and spirituality intertwine in the most spectacular way. As the world’s smallest independent state, it overflows with grandeur, from the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica — its dome dominating the skyline — to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling.

Visiting what it is basically another country, as the first stop in Rome, sounds pretty abnormal, but The Vatican is a mandatory stop, not only for Catholics around the world, but for curious tourists, architecture lovers and history enthusiasts. I did not know that in only a few days, Pope Francis would die, and the Conclave to choose Pope Leo XIV would take place here.

Going through security to even be in the Piazza took long, and then finding out that the Basilica was already closed for visitors was painful to hear. It was raining in Rome, so I figured I would come back the next day and try to get in. In the past, 10 years ago, I had been on top of this Basilica on a tour.

As I was leaving The Vatican, it was impossible not to check on the Swiss Guard, protecting the now dying Pope.

Trastevere

Trastevere is Rome’s effortlessly cool, bohemian neighborhood where ivy-draped buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful laundry lines create a picture-perfect vibe. By day, you’ll find hidden churches and artisan shops; by night, the area comes alive with buzzing trattorias, lively piazzas, and bars spilling onto the streets. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly, get lost, and feel the authentic, laid-back soul of the city.

Under the rain, and at the very end of this April day, it look like the perfect escape. Now, I was just looking for the best place to eat authentic Roman cuisine.

So I found Ristorante Pinseria Da Massi, opened in the 1950s, and with a wide range of traditional food to degust. I wanted to try the gnocci, but they brought me the pesto one, and that is not what I ordered, although it looked good.

They finally brought the traditional gnocci, and it was delicious. Very savory, al dente and fresh. You could tell why this place had been open for so long. Also, for the first time I tried the Aperol Spritz, and it tasted like medicine at first. But once I got used to the flavor, I enjoyed it, and would come back again and again during this trip.

Once I ate, I continued walking with umbrella in hand, throughout this beautiful neighborhood. Mandatory stop for everyone who’s looking for a chill night in Rome. It reminded me of Brooklyn in New York City.

The plazas were full, even when the rain.

But my last stop in Trastevere had to be the Basilica of Santa Maria, with its magnificent architecture and ceiling. All sorts of frescos everywhere, it was hard not to go see during the mass. I respected it and left, but willing to come back and explore it closely in other time.

From outside the Basilica looked glorious, but it is part of the more than 900 churches and temples in this city. Impressive.

The Colosseum

The public metro system in Rome does not take you everywhere, but the bus system and the trams are pretty decent. I waited for a bus from Trastevere to one of the icons of Rome: The Colosseum. After a few minutes, I was here.

The Colosseum is Rome’s most iconic landmark, a massive ancient arena that instantly transports you back to the days of gladiators and roaring crowds. Standing under its towering arches, you can almost hear the echoes of history and imagine the epic battles that once thrilled up to 50,000 spectators. Despite centuries of earthquakes and stone looting, its grand structure still radiates power and timeless beauty, making it an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the Eternal City.

To finish my night I had to go get gelato, and close to my hotel, there was a very well renowned place: Rivareno Gelato San Giovanni. It looked amazing, and tasted even better. Very traditional, and very fresh, it was probably the best ice cream I have had.

An early morning stroll

Woke up very early, since I had a goal for today. It was pouring outside, but after getting ready, I took my umbrella and jumped on the close by metro station to catch the next train.

And yes, at 6:30 AM I was at the Fontana di Trevi, one of the most crowded places in Rome, and that is recommended to visit from 12 AM to 7 AM. Any time after that would be too much people. Although many tourists have the same idea, the rain probably deterred many of them from coming this day, which really worked in my favor.

The Fontana di Trevi is Rome’s most enchanting fountain, a stunning baroque masterpiece that feels straight out of a fairytale. With its dramatic sculptures of Oceanus and cascading water, it’s a place where visitors gather day and night to toss coins over their shoulders, making wishes to return to the Eternal City. The fountain glows beautifully in the evening light, creating a magical, romantic atmosphere that makes it impossible to resist stopping and soaking it all in.

I had a ticket for something at 9 AM, so I just walked around the center of Rome, checking spots, like for example, the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti or Spanish Steps, next to Piazza di Spagna. I would be back later to this spot.

A little bit eerie seeing this all empty this early in the morning.

Then I went to the also empty Piazza Navona, with its 3 amazing fountains: Fontana del Nettuno, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and Fontana del Moro.

10 years ago when I visited Rome, this plaza was packed. I guess I came at the right time.

Not too far from there was Campo de’ Fiori, one of Rome’s liveliest squares, buzzing with energy from morning to night. By day, it’s home to a colorful market filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local treats — perfect for soaking up the city’s authentic daily life. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a vibrant social hub, with locals and travelers gathering at the surrounding bars and trattorias. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a spritz, people-watch, and truly feel the Roman spirit come alive.

Walking in the rain is no fun, and as the city woke up, and started their day, I took the bus back to where I started, and went to the Starbucks – Roma Flagship San Silvestro.

It is located inside a historic orangey‑pink Roman palazzo just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon. Spread over two welcoming floors and nearly 800 m², it blends Roman heritage with modern coffee culture — think terrazzo floors inspired by city fountains, a warm stone bar echoing cobblestones, a marble‑clad Mixato bar serving espressos by day and cocktails by night, and an upstairs Coffee Lab for tastings and events.

Starbucks spent nearly 50 years tiptoeing around Italy — the birthplace of espresso — because Italian coffee culture is deeply traditional and intimate. Locals drink quick, high‑quality espressos standing at a bar for around a euro, not lingering over sugary lattes in oversized cups, but at the end they finally made it into this country respecting their traditions.

It was almost time for my scheduled ticket, so I kept walking and passed by the Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna, that was being restored.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most awe-inspiring sights, a nearly 2,000-year-old temple-turned-church famous for its massive domed ceiling and open oculus that lets in a beam of light. Perfectly preserved, it blends ancient engineering brilliance with serene beauty, making it a must-see spot where you can truly feel the power of Roman history.

My reservation was at 9 AM, right at opening, and since it was still 30 minutes to go, I went to get breakfast.

So, I got a light Breakfast from Ginger – Pantheon. Very expensive, and would not recommend, but close to the action.

It was finally time for my reservation, and the line was ridiculously long, even with ticket in hand. But it went by quickly. They scanned it, and here I was, inside of this famous place.

Just truly amazing. Worth the few euros I paid to come in here.

To finish off my morning stroll around the old center of Rome, I went inside of the Galleria Sciarra, with this spectacular view of their skylight.

Villa Borghese

Took the bus to Villa Borghese, a lush, elegant escape — a sprawling park filled with shady paths, romantic gardens, pretty lakes, and world-class art museums like the Galleria Borghese. It’s the perfect place to stroll, picnic, or just unwind and soak up a peaceful, green side of the city.

Got another coffee from its welcoming building, and started just walking, seeing everything and getting lost in this big park. Suddenly, I got to this lake.

I loved the very peaceful nature of it, the animals, the boat, the architecture. Everything was perfect in the world right now.

After sitting in that spot for a bit, I kept walking, and exploring the park and its beautiful nature.

After walking for a while, I got to the Terrazza del Belvedere, where an amazing, and unexpected view of Rome was waiting for me.

Look at all the cupulas of all these churches in Rome. Just amazing how Rome was not built in just one day.

Another impressive view was The Vatican, and the Basilica di San Pietro in all of its dimension. Just wow.

And the The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II was also viewed from here. I had passed by it earlier this trip, and it was under construction and closed to the public, so I was not able to see it on the street level, but at least from afar I could.

Time to leave, and after walking and walking, I was back in Piazza di Spagna, where I was earlier. I had to take the metro back to The Vatican, where hopefully today I would have better luck getting in.

The Vatican – Part II

After a quick stop to lay down and relax in my hotel, I went back into The Vatican in the afternoon, but before they would officially close the Basilica di San Pietro. The Piazza was not too crowded, and security was fast this time.

And just like that, with no reservation, I was inside of the Basilica di San Pietro. One of the world’s most magnificent churches. Its breathtaking dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline, while inside, the vast, ornate interior is filled with masterpieces like Bernini’s baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà. Stepping in feels both humbling and awe-inspiring — a place where art, faith, and grandeur come together in a truly unforgettable way.

The altar and the duomos are just magnificent oeuvres d’art and architecture.

It was a little bit odd that, Pope Francis name would be written in this stone just a few days later. And also, that I would never see the entire stone being finished till the end. It would take centuries in order for that to happen.

Janiculum Hill and Pigneto

Time to finish this day, and for that I would take the bus to Janiculum Hill, for some of the best views of Rome, not without passing by the Castel Sant’Angelo.

From Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo), you get one of the most stunning panoramic views of Rome. You can see the city’s sea of terracotta rooftops, church domes (including St. Peter’s Basilica standing proudly), the Vittoriano monument, and the winding Tiber River below. On a clear day, you might even spot the distant Apennine mountains. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Eternal City, take photos, and soak in the romantic, timeless beauty of Rome from above.

After just relaxing there, I spent the sunset back in the Colosseum, now with a different view. And then went into a neighborhood recommended by a friend: Pigneto.

Pigneto is Rome’s coolest under‑the‑radar neighborhood — equal parts gritty working‑class past and vibrant boho present. By day, it hums with a farmers’ market on its pedestrian spine (Via del Pigneto) and surprises you with colorful murals and independent shops . By night, bars, wine joints, and late‑night trattorias light up the streets, drawing a creative, young crowd of locals, students, and hip families . Often dubbed “Rome’s Brooklyn,” it mixes industrial‑vibe cocktail bars, vinyl stores, and edgy street art with affordable prices. The pizza I tried here

Leaving Rome

I really was not expecting Rome to impress me so much, even after having been here for more than a week 10 years ago, and raining almost all the time. But this quick stop, made me fall in love with it once again, and I cannot wait to come back again.

For now, I was waking up very early in the morning, to take another train towards a northern destination in this beautiful country.

And I could not wait to explore Cinque Terre, an area that has been in my travel bucket list for so long. But you would see all of it in the next blog post.