A deep mark on the remains of a Roman temple, believed to be left by a legendary warrior.

A fortified medieval basilica on the Caelian Hill preserves extraordinary frescoes and one of Rome's most beautiful hidden cloisters.

This hidden alley near the location of Rome's first theater was the site of a curious miracle.

This ancient trail climbs the mountain where a Latin League cult worshipped Jupiter, its main deity.

Also known as the Square Colosseum, this building is a prime example of fascist-era rationalist architecture.

Romans decided this 16th-century "talking statue" was so ugly, they named it after a primate.

Remnants of a 4th-century church with vivid medieval frescoes and ancient sarcophagi hide beneath this old basilica.

The ruins of an abbey believed to have been founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century.

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

Gods clash with machines in a power plant regenerated as a museum.

The mystic whose incorrupt corpse still attracts the faithful.

Rome's ancient Etruscan rival, now a park full of ruins.

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

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

An Italian ghost town that fought obscurity, until a mysterious illness brought it to its knees.

This hill made entirely of ancient Roman jars was simply a garbage dump to the people of the time.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

The martyr's wax-enhanced skeletal remains lie preserved in a glass case in the Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.

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

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

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

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

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

Jesus' footprints and the first catacombs in the world.