Alexandra from Rome
Livia's Subterranean Garden Rome
Fabulous frescoes
This beautiful room is located in the Palazzo Massimo museum near Termini station. These garden frescoes once adorned an underground dining room in the country villa of Livia, wife of the Emperor Augustus. Dining was an important social and political ritual in Ancient Rome, so wealthy Romans like Livia wanted to have aesthetically pleasing dining rooms. This artificial garden creates the illusion of actually being outside, and contains a remarkable variety (and accuracy) of plants and birds. Flowers and fruits of all seasons bloom on these walls, creating the impression of everlasting growth and fertility – the optimism of Augustus’s reign.
This is one of my favourite artworks, and one of the most serene spots I can think of in Rome. It never fails to astonish me just how few people bother to visit Palazzo Massimo – it’s an extraordinary collection of ancient art, including famous works such as the bronze statue “The Boxer at Rest”, not to mention the busts, mosaics and frescoes. Still, their loss is our gain… You might well have Livia’s garden to yourself.
About this spot
Our Rome City Guide
Find your way with 172 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
SiTenne
Dressing the past
"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here
by
Rudy
Di Giacomo
CSOA eXSnia
Fight for a better Rome
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
Matteo
Mueller-Thies
Osteria Dar Bruttone
In the name of tradition
"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...
by
Max
Giudice
Cecilia Metella's Tomb
A peaceful garden
"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...
by
Max
Giudice
Trajan's Market Walkway
A path through history
"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Via Casilina Vecchia
The aqueduct neighbourhood
"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Pasticceria Boccione
Historic Jewish bakery
"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Chourmo
Cosy bar in Torpignattara
"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Via Piccolomini
An optical illusion
Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!
by
Alexandra
Turney
Bentu e Soi
A taste of Sardinia in Pigneto
"Bentu e Soi" in Rome is a Sardinian restaurant. The food here is to die for, and everything comes with an explanation -- even the bread...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Villa dei Quintili
Atmospheric Roman villa
"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Heading to Rome?
172 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Rome?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 172 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Rome
Get to know our other Spotters from Rome
As featured on:
