Rome can rightly be called one of the most beautiful and interesting places on the planet. Its history goes back almost 3 thousand years, and the city itself is declared the center of the World Historical Heritage. Even the locals are not sure that they have seen all the sights, and what can we say about the tourists who come here for two days?
The best museums in Rome
In order to understand and see the sights of the Eternal City well, it will take at least six months. Therefore, tourists prepare the ground in advance and even before arriving in Rome choose the most interesting sights for themselves. But tourists are united in one thing - you should definitely visit museums in Rome. It is in them that the history of the past, about the life and traditions of that time is collected. Everyone will find something to their liking and will definitely get a lot of positive emotions.
You need to remember only one thing - almost all museums in Rome are closed on Mondays, but there are exceptions. The queues at the box office are huge, so it’s better to book a ticket on the Rome city website www.rome-museum.com/ or call +39 0632810. In order to pick up your purchased ticket, you just need to arrive half an hour earlier and get it at the box office. Consider the best museums in Rome.
The Vatican Museums, more precisely, there is a whole range of interesting places. They top the list of art museums in Rome. Here, at the level with antiques, you can see sculptures contemporary modern or abstract art. It is better not to order a guide and leisurely enjoy the exhibits. This complex has about 25 museums, sculptures and architectural structures and is considered the largest museum in the world.
Reception of tourists: daily from 9.00 to 18.00.
Entrance fee from 18 euros, and on holidays 20-22.
This is a large art gallery located inside a villa that belonged to the Prince Borghese family. About 6 thousand sculptures and paintings are presented here. There are 75 halls in total and in them you can see real masterpieces of such the greatest artists like Rubens, Monet, Van Gogh...
Working mode: all days except Monday.
Cost of visiting galleries 8 euros.
This is a complex of several buildings that exhibit the best works of sculptors and artists of the last century. Outside, the museums prop up the columns, everything is tiled self made, and the walls are painted and decorated with images of ancient statues and mosaics. The Capitoline Museum houses one of the fragments of the Seven Wonders of the World - a piece from the Colossus.
Works every day from 9.00 to 13.00. And on Tuesday and Saturday, the visitation time is extended until 17.00. And in summer, the Capitol Museum welcomes guests until 23.00.
The ticket costs 8 euros. But for some closed halls you will have to pay 1.50 separately.
National museums
These are four buildings located side by side - the building of Diocletian, Massimo and the Palazzo Altemps. IN Massimo you can see a collection of jewelry that has been collected for more than one century, sarcophagi, coins that are more than 1.5 thousand years old and colorful mosaics.
Altemps- keeps us
Ice of the former owner, Cardinal Marco Altemps. This building presents sculptures not only by Roman craftsmen, but also brought from abroad. The Balbi Museum presents a rich exhibition, all of its exhibits in different time were excavated in Rome and made a huge contribution to the writing of local history. At the Diocletian Museum presentations of modern exhibitions are often held, and the rest of the time you can see objects of the Roman Empire here.
The museum is waiting for tourists from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 19.00. Closed for wet cleaning from 13.30 to 14.30.
Entrance ticket costs 6 euros.
Museum of Leonardo da Vinci
This museum is hidden in the historic district of the city, in the basement. Here you can see the exhibits, which are made according to the drawings of the great artist. The museum consists of six halls, there are few exhibits, but they can be viewed for hours. At the exit there is a shop where everyone can buy reduced models of exhibits.
Museum prices from 9 to 4 euros. Discounts are made for everyone who studies and those who are over 60 years old.
Museum open all week from 10.00 to 20.00.
Museum of Roman Civilization
This is a huge building that contains the history of Rome. You can see the drawings on the frescoes with your own eyes and imagine how the Eternal City was built. Exhibits presented ancient literature, sculptures and household items. In another room, a collection of weapons is displayed. Some of the exhibits are fake, but an exact copy of their predecessors. The museum staff did their best to create objects from the drawings ancient city. But this museum is interesting not only for its exhibits. The architecture of buildings can be considered endlessly. Huge massive columns, mosaics, frescoes and arches.
The museum works constantly, from 9.00 to 5 pm, Monday is a day off.
The ticket costs 7 euros, but for closed halls you will have to pay 1–1.5 euros extra.
Aviation Museum
The area of this museum is more than 6 square meters. Here on the territory former factory and there is a park-museum. Everyone can see or touch the technology. See how aircraft have improved and what they were like 100 years ago. Those who wish can resort to the services of a guide who will tell in detail the history of the exhibits.
The doors are open all days except Monday, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Entrance 8 euros for an adult, 4 euros for teenagers under 12 years old, admission is free for children under 3 years old.
Automobile Museum
Here are the cars of the Roman police. You can track the development technical progress how the means of transportation improved and compare today's car with the very first and earliest version.
This museum works from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 17.30.
Ticket 4 euros, under 16s free entry.
The Wax Museum
Opened in 1958 and constantly updated with new exhibits. Here are exact copies famous people and simulated important situations that are remembered and entered into history.
visit this museum is open from 7.00 to 20.00. There are no days off or breaks.
Pay to enter will have 7 euros for adults and children.
Museum of the Risorgimento
There are sculptures and paintings from the Renaissance period. You can also carefully study Napoleon's weapons, track his collapse in the pictures. Learn about the Expedition of the Thousand and watch documentaries and movies.
Admission ticket in the Risorgimento costs 7 euros. Discounts for pensioners and students.
visit the museum available from 9:30 to 19:30.
These are the main museums in Rome. But there are still places that are intended for a children's audience, which will be discussed later.
Museums for children
Explora
Explora is one of the best children's museums. It perfectly combines the game and new discoveries. This museum is intended for children from 3 to 13 years old. In the form of a game, children learn the secrets of science, get acquainted with nature, with the structure human body, run through labyrinths and build houses. You can go anywhere, but for convenience halls are divided into three categories:
- up to 3 years
- up to 6
- and up to 13 years old.
If you book a visit a week in advance, then admission is free.
Price simple 5 euros.
Guests are waiting from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.
Chinebimbichita
Another interesting and educational museum for the child will become Chinebimbichita. It is located in an old film studio where the famous Italian cinema was filmed. In the form of a game, children are revealed the secrets of creating cinema. Using the example of cartoons, they show how to revive a character and make him move. This place is intended for children from 5 to 12 years old.
Working hours this museum from 10.00 to 18.00.
Worth a ticket for children 4 euros, and for parents 7 euros.
Free museums in Rome
There are also free museums in Rome in Italy.
Museum of Ancient Rome
It exhibits antiquities that have made a huge contribution to the development of the city.
Working hours from 9.00 to 19.30. From Tuesday to Sunday.
Barraco Museum
It is located in a small palace of the 16th century and represents the legacy of Count Barraco to tourists. There are ancient sculptures, frescoes, the Egyptian Sphinx and much more.
Museum opened all days from 9.00 to 19.00. Day off on Monday
Napoleon Museum
It contains sights associated with this commander. Each visitor can touch the furniture on which Napoleon sat, see the gallery that he assembled during his lifetime. There are also notes and books.
Museum opened from Thursday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 19.00.
Thermae Museum
This is a collection of five archaeological sites. The discoveries that are presented here have made a great contribution to the understanding of scientists about Ancient Rome. The sites are located just on the street, and every inquisitive tourist can come here. Only one site is closed and you need to pay about 2 euros to view it, but this is optional.
Working hours from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 17.00.
Zoo museum
Collected here huge collection exhibits. The halls are divided into several parts - mammals, animals, birds, etc. It all started with the pontiff's collection, then it began to replenish and now it gladly welcomes visitors.
Museum accepts from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 19.00.
And these are only the most popular free museums. There are a lot of them, you just need to look. For example, you can call a few more interesting free places:
- Spada Gallery,
- Medieval Museum,
- Ostia,
- andersen museum,
- Mario Prazo Museum,
- museum of musical instruments
- oriental art exhibition,
- tomb of Metella
- temples and cathedrals.
The museums and galleries of Rome are so different that it is impossible to single out one thing. All places are interesting and informative in their own way, so you should have time to see the maximum of museums in Rome, it is better to check the cost in advance, because depending on the seasons, the holiday season or local holidays, the price may vary slightly.
Unusual museums in Rome
Another famous place can be attributed to the unusual museums of Rome.
roman pasta museum
It is dedicated to the history of pasta. Visitors can learn the history of pasta, see what and how it was cooked before. Find out how this product gained popularity and spread around the world. In addition - pasta can be made in different colors and shapes. All experiments can be seen at the exhibition.
The museum works from Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry price 5 euros, children under 16 free.
Museum of the Souls of the Dead
It is favorably located just in, it is also called the Capuchin Museum, as it contains the bones of the servants of the temple. The place is strewn with bones, they lie on the windowsills, are in the walls and on the floor. There are also a few mummies that did not decompose after death.
Entrance is free, only before visiting you need to ask permission from the local priest, but this is just a tribute to tradition, since he allows absolutely everyone to enter the temple-museum.
Brain Laboratory Museum
Here are the discoveries related to the work of our brain. From all over the world, legends and stories about these discoveries were collected, and often the experiments were carried out illegally - in psychiatric hospitals on patients. All this is collected in the museum-laboratory.
You can visit this place from Tue. on Sunday from 9.00 to 17.00.
Entrance 4 euros.
Museum of Criminology
Here are collected the most high-profile and famous cases of the underworld. You can look at the weapons used by the bandits, learn the life story of maniacs and robbers who constantly evaded persecution. The museum exhibits not only weapons, but clothes of that time, household items, money and newspapers have been preserved here.
Entrance costs 5 euros.
The museum is waiting for guests all days except Monday.
What conclusion can be drawn from the above? Definitely worth taking the time to see the museums of Rome, working hours on average from 9 to 17. Entrance inexpensive to the museums of Rome, ticket price up to 10 euros. At the ticket office, it is better to clarify whether it is allowed to take pictures or shoot videos inside the premises. If you do this without permission, you will have to pay a considerable fine.
You can save a little and buy a universal ticket to museums. It is called, you can buy it via the Internet or at any city ticket office. The locals are very polite and friendly, so feel free to ask. They will help and tell you about the most interesting places in Rome.
Museums of Rome in the photo
Below you can see the museums of Rome in the photo.
Which museums in Rome are worth seeing first? In this article, BlogoItaliano has compiled for you 7 of the most remarkable museums in Rome that are worth putting on your map of your visit to the Eternal City. We’ll make a reservation right away that general attractions [for example, or], as well as the Vatican Museums, will remain outside the scope of this article. As the name implies, we will focus exclusively on the most interesting MUSEUMS in Rome.
National Roman Museum
At the end of the 19th century, Rome began to grow rapidly. During the construction of new buildings and roads, many historical artifacts were discovered. Valuable finds needed to be placed somewhere, and in 1889 the National Museum was opened in the monastery of St. Mary.
Today, the Museo Nazionale Romano complex consists of four branches: the Massimo Palace, the Baths of Diocletian, the Balbi Crypt and the Altemps Palace, where samples of ancient Roman and ancient Greek art. To visit the entire museum complex, you can purchase single ticket which is valid for three days.
The number of exhibits in the Palazzo Altemps exceeds several hundred
Massimo Palace
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme boasts the largest collection of ancient coins: it houses the money used by Julius Caesar himself. The numismatic display is adjacent to an exhibition of Roman amber and jewelry, as well as sculptures and sarcophagi. One of the most valuable exhibits of the museum is the mummy of an 8-year-old girl dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Baths of Diocletian
The baths were built in 298-305 and were intended for all free citizens of Rome, including the poorest. In the XIV century, two churches were erected on the site of some halls, so the baths have survived to this day only in relative safety. Today, here you can get acquainted with an extensive collection of epigraphy, in which there are over 10 thousand inscriptions with illustrations.
Baths for free citizens of Rome were erected in 298-305.
Crypt Balbi
Crypta Balbi is located among the ruins of a theater built in the 1st century BC. by order of the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Balba. Archaeological finds located in chronological order, acquaint visitors with the evolution of the city from ancient times to the Middle Ages.
Altemps Palace
Palazzo Altemps is interesting with a rich collection of sculptures from the collections of the Ludovisi family, Mattei and others. In the 17th century, Cardinal Ludovic Ludovisi bought valuable exhibits from Roman aristocrats, thus laying the foundation for a future collection. Today, the number of exhibits exceeds several hundred, among them - famous sculpture a gall who kills himself and his wife, the relief "The Birth of Venus", bronze Roman copies of the sculptures of the ancient Greeks.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00-19:45 (The Baths of Diocletian 9:00-19:30), Museums are closed on 1 January and 25 December. Museum opening hours may vary depending on the season.
Addresses:
- Palazzo Massimo Palazzo Massimo - largo di Villa Peretti, 1
- Baths of Diocletian Terme de Diocleziano - via E. De Nicola, 79
- Crypta Balbi - via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31
- Palazzo Altemps - piazza di S. Apollinare, 48
Tickets: 1 ticket is valid for visiting all 4 buildings of the National Museum of Rome for 3 days: adult - 8 Euro, children - free of charge (under 17 years old)
Gallery Borghese
They say that the founder of one of the most valuable art collections in the world, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, appreciated art so much that he was ready for any steps in order to get another masterpiece.
On his orders, valuable paintings were even stolen, not to mention how often the cardinal used his official position to confiscate or buy for a pittance works of art that interested him.
The Gallery houses the world's largest collection of works by Caravaggio and Bernini
And yet, it was thanks to Cardinal Borghese that a gallery appeared in Rome, which today houses the largest collection of works of Caravaggio and Bernini in the world, as well as numerous masterpieces of great Italian and European painters.
In total, over 500 paintings and several hundred more sculptures are presented to the public in 20 halls. The gallery itself, decorated with frescoes, mosaics and stucco, causes no less delight than the works stored in it.
An important feature of this museum in Rome is the visitor pass system: tourists are allowed into the gallery every two hours at a strictly a certain amount. Because of this, it is rightfully considered one of the most inaccessible museums in all of Italy, and tickets here are often sold out several days or even weeks before the actual date of the visit.
The gallery, decorated with frescoes and stucco, is a delight in itself.
To get to the Gallery, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the Internet or plan your visit as part of an organized tour in Russian.
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 9:00-19:00
- Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5
The oldest in the world public museum dates back to the 15th century, when Pope Sixtus IV donated to the city a collection of antique bronze statues from the Lateran.
The oldest public museum in the world dates back to the 15th century
Today, the collection of the Capitoline Museums occupies three palace rooms and includes sculptural compositions, archaeological artifacts and jewels ancient rome.
The most famous exhibit of the Museums is the sculpture "". Part of the collection is occupied by the Capitoline Pinakothek with masterpieces by Rubens, Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto and other masters.
In the New Palace (Palazzo Nuovo) you can see the very sculptures of Sixtus IV that laid the foundation for the Capitoline Museums: Capitoline Venus, Cupid and Psyche, a resting satyr and many others. It also exhibits unique mosaics from the villa of Emperor Hadrian.
Capitoline she-wolf - the most famous exhibit of the Museums
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9:30-19:30, 24 and 31 December 9:30-14:00
- Museums closed: January 1st, May 1st and December 25th
- Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
- Tickets: adult - 15 Euro
National Etruscan Museum
The world's largest museum of the history of the Etruscans is located on the territory of Villa Giulia - the surviving third of the architectural complex, built in 1555 for Pope Julius III.
For several centuries, Villa Giulia managed to be a warehouse, a military barracks, a hospital and a school, until at the end of the 19th century the building was transferred under the care of the state.
The world's largest museum of Etruscan history
Among the exhibits that tell about the culture of a lost civilization, today you can find coins and jewelry, ceramics and bronze items. Some of them are over 2600 years old. A significant part of the exposition is devoted to the Etruscan funeral cult.
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 9:00-20:00
- The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1 and December 25
- Address: Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9
National Gallery of Ancient Art
National Gallery ancient art(Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica) occupies two palaces at once: Barberini and Corsini.
In the Barberini Palace you will find paintings by Caravaggio, Titian and El Greco. For three centuries, the palace belonged to the family of Cardinal Barberini, until they had to sell their family estate to the state.
Since then, exhibitions have been housed here. National Gallery arts and officers' assembly.
In the Corsini Palace [besides the same Caravaggio] you can see paintings by Rubens and Brueghel. The palace itself was built in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 18th century.
In the Palazzo Corsini you can see paintings by Rubens and Brueghel
- Opening hours of Palazzo Barberini: Tue-Sun: 8:30-19:00, Mon - day off, closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
- Address Palazzo Barberini: via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
- Opening hours of Palazzo Corsini: Wed-Mon: 8:30-19:00, Tue is a day off. The museum is closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
- Address Palazzo Corsini: Via della Lungara, 10
Castel Sant'Angelo
In this castle languished in prison cell Giordano Bruno, Galileo Galilei and Benvenuto Cellini. The cellars of the castle began to function as a prison under the pontiffs, who made the fortress their residence.
Until the middle of the 3rd century, the future fortress was used as a tomb, and this is how it was conceived by Emperor Andrian, who ordered the construction of a mausoleum in 135.
One of the versions of the origin of the name says that the angel was seen walking past procession the Romans. At the height of the plague at the end of the 6th century, they saw Archangel Michael with a drawn sword on the roof of the castle and considered this a good sign - soon the plague really receded. The very sculpture of an angel appeared here only in 1753.
These walls remember Galileo, Giordano Bruno and other famous prisoners
Today, the museum is located in 58 rooms of the 7-level building, which includes an armory, a treasury, a library, rooms of Pius V, a torture room and other rooms. The terrace of the castle serves as a beautiful observation deck overlooking the ancient city.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 9.00-19.30
- Address: Lungotevere Castello, 1
- Tickets can be purchased online
MAXXI Museum
The Museum of Art MAXXI (Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo), which contains the best examples of modern Art XXI century.
The first exhibits appeared here in 2010, and since then the museum's collection has been regularly updated with new masterpieces from around the world.
The exterior of this museum in Rome is just as impressive as its collection - a futuristic design by famed Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.
The museum contains the best examples of contemporary art of the XXI century
In addition to exhibition halls, the complex includes a research center, a library, a seminar and training hall, as well as a cafe and a bookstore.
- Opening hours: Tue-Fri, Sun 11:00-19:00; Sat 11:00-22:00
- Address: via Guido Reni, 4/a
If this article is about the most interesting museums Rima was helpful to you, definitely save it to your social network not to lose. We also encourage you to subscribe to our free where you will find many useful advice to better organize your trip.
And finally, a short video about the most important sights of Rome:
Photos by: website, Ana Rey, Alexander van Loon, Daviddje, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Carole Raddato, Anthony Majanlahti.
5 unusual museums in Rome well worth a visit if you've already explored the Eternal City enough and want to see something new.
Rome is a museum city open sky, where you can walk endlessly, looking at the free "museum" exhibitions: ancient ruins, squares, fountains, facades of countless churches and palaces. But not all the treasures of the Eternal City are so obvious. Some hidden in rather unusual and even shocking museums. We present you a selection of five Roman museums, a visit to which can amaze you to the core, make you think and even draw important life conclusions for yourself.
5 unusual museums in Rome:
1. Catacombs on the Appian Way /catacombe di Roma
Fascinating underground labyrinths-necropolises of the first Christians, located on the ancient Appian Way, will make you rise above the hustle and bustle of the current day and think about the fact that death is another face of life. The ancients will introduce you to the early morning of Christianity (just think about it, this is the 2nd-5th centuries of our era, when the united Roman Empire still existed) and will transfer you to the time of the first popes, starting with the Apostle Peter, when this religion was just beginning to win minds and hearts and gained its own own artistic language.
appian way (Via Appia Antica) - one of the 7 main roads that connected the capital of the empire with seaport Brundisium (modern Brindisi), located on the "heel" of the Apennine "boot". In the 5th century BC, when a ban on burials within the boundaries of Rome was introduced, a tradition arose to bury the dead along the Appian Way. Here you can see the magnificent tombs and columbariums (repositories of urns with ashes) of the Roman nobility, located above the ground. But it is more interesting to go underground, where in tunnels made of soft tuff, in which niches are hollowed out in several rows, the first Christians buried their dead together with the pagans - more than 500,000 people in total.
A visit to the catacombs will allow you to touch origins of modern Christian Rome and, the center of the Catholic world, and learn more about the history of Christianity. In the catacombs, the first services were performed on the tombs of the martyrs (hence the origin of the Christian tradition of celebrating the liturgy on the relics of saints), and the walls and ceilings of the tunnels were decorated with frescoes.
I pagan and secular drawings are side by side with frescoes illustrating scenes from the Bible and drawings with characteristic early Christian symbols -fish, lamb, dove with an olive branch in its beak, anchor, chrysms (a monogram of the name of Christ, which consists of two initial Greek letters chi and ro). So in the catacombscan see one of the first evidence of artistic understanding of the image of Jesus Christ and the entire Christian doctrine.
The most interesting and large-scale catacombs open to the public on the Appian Way: Catacombs of Saint Callistus (San Callisto), Catacombs of Saint Sebastian (San Sebastian), Catacombs of Saint Domitilla (Santa Domitilla). A visit to the catacombs is carried out as part of organized groups. The guide, as a rule, is a priest or a monk who knows history well and understands the symbolism of these underground early Christian necropolises.
2. Museum shower V purgatory/ Museo delle Anime del Purgatorio
Do you want to be horrified and admired at the same time? Visit one of the most unusual and strange places in Rome - Museum of Souls in Purgatory. This museum is located in the sacristy of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Prati ( ), located near the Castel Sant'Angelo on the Tiber embankment Lungotevere, and is closely connected with its history.
This small church in itself is worthy of your attention, as it is built in the Neo-Gothic style, which is a rarity among Roman churches, and with its neat appearance resembles a carved ivory box. For its resemblance to the famous Milan Cathedral, it was even nicknamed "the little duomo of Milan". But it was not always like this - the construction of a new, modern building for us was carried out from 1908 to 1917.
The construction was preceded by a devastating fire in the old church building, which happened in 1897. But it was this fire that became the impetus for the emergence of such a strange museum: the priest Victor Jouet noticed behind the altar that fire and smoke left a drawing on the wall that looked like someone else's sad face. In his opinion, it was the soul of a deceased person, imprisoned in purgatory, which was trying to establish contact with someone alive.
It is important to know that, according to Catholics, purgatory is an intermediate place between heaven and hell, where there are souls that are not burdened with mortal sins and therefore did not go to hell, but did not live in full accordance with God's commandments, and therefore did not fall into paradise. The only way for these souls to leave Purgatory and go to Heaven is through fervent prayers of loved ones and relatives that are still on the ground.
"Purgatory" - this is the name of the second part " Divine Comedy» Dante Alighieri Victor Jouet, impressed by what he saw in the Church of the Sacred Heart, began to travel throughout Europe and collect evidence that souls are trying to make themselves felt and get in touch with the living. In the museum, created on the basis of his collection, you can see bibles, prayer books, clothes, photographs, tablets - with strange, inexplicable marks, similar to those that burnt hands can leave. Greetings "from the next world", from which the skin is cold and becomes uneasy.
All relics in the museum are authentic and belonged to specific people, the oldest of which date back to the 17th century. As they say, believe it or not, but the spectacle of the “imprints” of souls stuck in purgatory, where it is clearly not sweeter than in hell, makes you think about the degree of correctness of your own life.
Address: Lungotevere Prati, 12
Price: free (donations to the needs of the church are welcome). Ask the attendant to take you to the museum.
3. Mamertine Prison / Carcere Mamertino
One of ancient buildings Rome (much older than the Colosseum and many neighboring buildings in the Roman Forum), dating back to the days of the semi-legendary Roman kings, is the Mamertine prison, which today operates as a museum.
The prison is located on the Roman Forum, on the northwestern slope of the Capitoline Hill, in the place where the people's meetings - the comitia - were held. The underground complex of the prison consists of two rooms. The first is attributed to 640-616. BC. and the times of King Anka Marcius, the second - to 578-534 BC. and King Servius Tullius, after whom the dungeon began to be called - Tullianum. And the modern name Mamertinum appeared later, in the Middle Ages, and its origin is associated with the nearby temple of the god Mars.
Dark, cramped, stinking prison dungeon where there was nothing to breathe and where did not enter sunlight, instilled fear in the Roman citizens. Prisoners who were dropped into the prison through a hole in the ceiling were rarely kept in it for long (long imprisonment only came into use during the late Empire). Many died before trial or official execution due to exhaustion, asphyxiation (lack of sufficient oxygen), and torture.
Enemies of the Roman Republic languished in this prison, and not only representatives of enemy states, but also the "fifth column", as they would say now. Among them - members of the Catiline conspiracy who tried to seize power by armed seizure. It was then that Cicero delivered his famous diatribe, from which many people know the expression “O times! Oh manners!
Christian tradition ascribes to this prison and other famous prisoners - Saints Peter and Paul who were here awaiting execution. In the former prison, which since the 4th century has become a place of pilgrimage for Christians, an altar with an inverted cross was installed, giving the whole room a slightly creepy look.
However, the inverted cross is actually a reference to Saint Peter, since Peter, who is also the first Pope and founder of the Roman Catholic Church, was crucified head down at his own request (he considered himself unworthy of the death of Christ).
More about the mysterious symbols and signs of Christianity can be found on our quest
In the 16th century, the Church of San Giuseppe dei Falenami was built over the former prison in honor of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. The entrance to the prison with the inscription Mamertinum is located in the lower part of it.
Address: Via del Clivio Argentario, 1
Price: full ticket - 10 euros, reduced ticket - 5 euros (free for children under 6 years old)
4. Museum of Another Elsewhere Metropolitan /Museo dell‘ Altro e dell‘ Altrove di Metropolis (MAAM)
Want to see another Rome? Rome beyond the canonical image of the city of antiquity and baroque? It seems that in the Eternal City with its almost 2800-year history there can be no place for contemporary art, but it is present here in three museums at once. Two of them (MACRO and MAXXI) are full-fledged museums with exhibition displays in specially equipped buildings, but the third one is unusual even against the background of its brothers. This is not a museum, but rather an art space where intertwined real life with all its unsightly sides and art, which unites and heals, provides an opportunity for self-expression for everyone without restrictions on social status.
Its name is also unusual - the Museum of the Other in a different place. It all started in 2009, when several families of Italians and migrants from Morocco, Sudan, Eritrea, Peru and Ukraine settled in an abandoned salami factory in Rome's multicultural and multi-ethnic neighborhood of Tor Sapienza. People who did not have a roof over their heads found their home at the factory, which they began to settle in and gradually turn into art space covering walls and ceilings with drawings and graffiti.
In 2011, to protect factory residents from eviction, anthropologist Giorgio de Finis called for the construction of "art barricades", inviting leading artists and graffiti artists from around the world who found MAAM an opportunity to express themselves and work without restrictions.
Today you can see here over 500 drawings, graffiti and installations, some of them by famous contemporary artists such as Michelangelo Pistoletto.
So, thanks to the art and joint actions of many caring people, the former slaughterhouse turned into “another place”, where the right to life, creativity and freedom was protected. The Tower of Babel did not collapse in this particular case. On the contrary, here, as nowhere else, one can feel the unity that permeates all of us, despite the difference in cultures, languages and worldviews.
Address: Via Prenestina, 193
Open on Saturdays from 11.00 to 17.00. You must first send a request for a visit [email protected] or at
Without a doubt, the capital of Italy is one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the world. Here you can walk around the Colosseum, visit the Vatican and wander for hours along the incredible cobbled streets with centuries of history. While traveling to the Eternal City, try to also make time for as many world-class museums as possible, of which there are a huge number in Rome.
Museum of Roman Civilization
Modern Rome has many interesting sights, but to really get to know the city, you need to step back in time. At the Museum of Roman Civilization you will see a scale model of what ancient Rome was like. The museum reproduces some of the most famous exhibits of ancient Rome, providing a glimpse into life during the Empire. The Museum of Civilization is located south of the city in the EURO area, where interesting squares and buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. 
National Etruscan Museum
In the Roman region of Vigna Vecchia, you can see the beautiful Villa Giulia, a 16th-century estate built for Pope Julius III. Today, Villa Giulia houses the Museo Nazionale Etrusco, or National Etruscan Museum. This largest collection of Etruscan art in the world, and a must-see museum for any art lover. Several of the most important items in the collection include sculptures and household items that are over 2,600 years old. 
MAXXI Museum
There is evidence that the territory of present-day Rome was inhabited as early as 14,000 years ago, but this does not mean that modern-day Rome has nothing to show off to visitors. The MAXXI Museum, short for Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo, is dedicated to the finest examples of Roman art since the 21st century. Developed famous architect Zaha Hadid's modern building of the MAXXI Museum itself deserves attention. The museum's exhibitions focus on architecture, paintings and sculpture. There is also a bookstore and cafe here. 
Villa Farnesina
The Renaissance Villa Farnesina was built in 1506 in the Roman district of Trastevere. Initially, the villa was intended for a banker from Siena, but by the end of the 16th century it was bought by the Farnese family, from which the name Farnesina appeared. The building has a spectacular U-shaped design, but the real reason to visit is the art on display inside. The walls of the vidda bedrooms are decorated with paintings by the legendary Raphael, as well as other famous artists. Most of the Farnesina rooms, including the famous Loggia, are open to the public. Tours are held on a regular basis. 
Palazzo Doria Pamphili
Palazzo Doria Pamphili is a private palace in Rome that dates back to the 15th century. This The best way will make a tour to the aristocratic heart of the city. Believe it or not, but the palace and Art Gallery still used by the owners as the main dwelling. However, buying admission ticket You can get inside and explore over 500 paintings, including works by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Titian, as well as sculptures by Bernini. 
National Museum of Rome
To know the history and cultural heritage Rome - go to National Museum Rome. This Roman museum is not concentrated in one building. All exhibitions are located in numerous locations throughout the city. The collection of Roman amber and jewels is located in the incredible Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, and the breathtaking collection of marble sculptures in the Palazzo Altemps. Do not miss the opportunity to look at the Roman Diocletian Baths, carefully restored according to the original project. 
Castle of St. Angela
The must-see museum in Rome is the Castle of St. Angela, some parts of which are almost 1,900 years old. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the castle was fortified and modified during the Middle Ages. Thus, he became the amazing building that we see today. In the Castle of St. Angela houses the Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo Museum (Museum of the Castle of St. Angelo) with a rich collection of exhibits, from Renaissance paintings to rare examples of medieval weapons. 
Capitoline Museum
Be sure to visit the Capitoline Museum in the Colosseo area, not far from the Colosseum. Here are collected the best Greek and Roman exhibits in the city. The museum is housed in a 17th-century building designed by Michelangelo. The museum showcases such works as the Dying Gaul and a huge statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback (both statues are made of bronze). But the most notable work- Lupa Capitolina, sculpture of Romulus and Remus. Part of the museum was moved to the building next door - Palazzo dei Conservatori. It houses early Greek and Roman works of art, as well as a more modern art gallery with works by Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian and other artists.
Gallery Borghese
The most impressive art collection is housed in Villa Borghese. Borghese was an avid art collector, managing to amass an amazing collection of Italian and European works. At the Galleria Borghese, you can take a tour of the 20 exhibition rooms that showcase paintings by Titian, Caravaggio and Rubens. Unlike most other major art museums, the Borghese Gallery doesn't take too long to visit. Here the emphasis is on quality pictures. 
Vatican Museum
The sights of the Vatican include not only St. Peter's Basilica. Be sure to visit the Vatican Museum in Rome, which houses an amazing collection of art. religious art. Part of the museum is the Sistine Chapel with incredible frescoes by Michelangelo on the ceiling. Museums are designed so that visitors can only walk in one direction. You are guaranteed not to miss the spiral staircase, or the Raphael Rooms. Instead of visiting on your own, it is better to stop on one of the guided tours available in several languages.
20,667 viewed
On any tourist trip, especially to Italy, there comes a moment when you need to touch high art, not only . Here is our selection of ten best museums and galleries of Rome.
(Musei Capitolini) are located in the three Capitoline Palaces - the Senators, the Conservators and the Palazzo Nuovo. The beginning of the museum collection was laid by Pope Sixtus IV, presenting in 1417 to the Roman people antique statues from bronze. Nowadays, a rich collection of antique exhibits is stored in the Palazzo Conservatori, the most valuable of which is the original. The new palace boasts unique mosaics from the villa of Emperor Hadrian.
The National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica) is located in the Barberini and Corsini palaces. The first contains such masterpieces as Raphael's "Fornarina" and "Judith and Holofernes" works, as well as many paintings by Titian and El Greco. In the second - the same Caravaggio, Rubens and Brueghel.
On the territory of Villa Giulia there is a museum of Etruscan art with interesting exhibits material culture vanished civilization. The exposition dedicated to the funeral cult of the Etruscans is especially large. The building itself was previously the summer residence of the popes.
- We recommend reading about
Gallery Doria Pamphilj (Galleria Doria Pamphilj) is a private gallery with a rich collection of art objects. The best way presented italian painting XVII century- paintings, Titian, Caravaggio. Also impressive is the collection of marble reliefs by Duquesnoy.
In the private collection of the Spada Gallery (Palazzo e Galleria Spada), belonging to XVII century, includes works by Titian, Guido Reni, Rubens and others outstanding masters Renaissance. An interesting attraction of the palace is Perspective, which is a gradually narrowing corridor. The sixty-centimeter figure of a rider, placed at the narrow end of the corridor, looks like it reaches an average human height!
Rome knows no shortage of samples of ancient art. But it's time to somehow introduce the modern! For this purpose, an exhibition hall was built next to the famous one, where it was opened in 1915 (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderno). Italian futurists and realists exhibited here (Renato Guttuso), sculpture 19th century represented by the works of Canova and Jimenez. In the middle of the 20th century, the gallery was replenished with works by foreign artists: Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso.
↘️🇮🇹 USEFUL ARTICLES AND SITES 🇮🇹↙️ SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS
