Rome is history, art and culture. Every corner whispers greatness, and the Colosseum — towering and majestic — is without doubt the city's iconic heart. Yet beyond the famous amphitheatre lies another Rome, made of surprising museums and hidden treasures that keep fascinating, often overlooked stories. If you’re ready to discover an unexpected side of the Eternal City, join us on a tour of lesser-known but must-see museums — places that will give you wonder, amazement and a fresh perspective to make your trip unique.
1. Centrale Montemartini
A museum where classical archaeology meets 20th-century industrial archaeology. At first glance it looks like a former industrial plant — and it is: ancient Roman statues flawlessly sculpted share space with gigantic steam engines, huge motors and vintage turbines inside a former thermoelectric power station. The contrast between white marble and dark steel creates a powerful, unexpected atmosphere — an improbable yet captivating place.
Active from 1912 to 1963, the former power station is now a gem of industrial archaeology and classical beauty, born almost by chance from a temporary exhibition of the Capitoline Museums and turned into a beloved permanent venue for those seeking experiences off the usual circuits.
2. Capitoline Museums
The cradle of Roman history. It all began in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated to the people of Rome several symbolic statues: the famous Capitoline Wolf, the equestrian Marcus Aurelius, the Spinario and the colossal head of Constantine. Thus was born what is considered the world’s first public museum.
Located on the splendid Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo, the Capitoline Museums unfold across two historic palaces connected by a surprising underground passage. Here history takes shape: from Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, ancient mosaics and paintings. From the panoramic terrace you get one of the best views of the Roman Forum — perfect for a photo with the Colosseum in the background.
3. Trajan’s Market
More than a museum, a leap back in time: Trajan’s Market (100–110 AD) is considered the first “shopping center” in history, with over 150 shops, offices and archives spread across six levels. Today the complex houses the Museum of the Imperial Fora, dedicated to the architecture of ancient Rome.
Walking through the rooms you find original fragments, casts and reconstructions that tell the grandeur of Caesar’s, Augustus’s and Trajan’s Forums. The itinerary starts at the Great Hall and continues along the evocative Via Biberatica, the ancient internal street where merchants and imperial clerks once moved — a vertical museum full of unexpected views and perspectives.
4. Museum of Rome
A treasure chest of stories: inside Palazzo Braschi, overlooking Piazza Navona, the Museum of Rome offers a journey through paintings, photographs, costumes, carriages and everyday objects that narrate Rome’s life from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The route unfolds across multiple halls, while the ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
The rooms recreate scenes of daily life, popular festivals and vanished urban views, composing a vivid portrait of Rome’s social life. Palazzo Braschi also offers one of the most beautiful views over Piazza Navona, ideal for pausing and imagining the city in past centuries.
Ready to discover the Rome you didn’t expect? With Roma Gold Pass you have the right access to do it.