Giulia from Rome
Santa Caterina d'Alessandria Rome
The Orthodox church
The church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria is located within Villa Abamelek, a park named after the Russian Prince Abamelek who bought it in 1907, which nowadays is the residence of the Russian Ambassador. I discovered it while I was wandering around the Aurelio neighbourhood, the surprisingly underrated area right behind the St. Peter’s Cathedral, and its emerald green dome got my attention.
Since Archimandrite Kliment’s original wish of building a Russian orthodox church in Rome at the end of the 19th century, Saint Catherine the Great Martyr was finally built in 2003, named after a saint worshipped by both Orthodox and Catholics and whose relics are preserved in the church’s basement.
This church is characterized by a Byzantine architecture and interiors frescoed with beautiful icons of Saints. Its onion-shaped domes and eight-arm crosses stand out not only from the green of the surrounding park, but also from the skyline of the neighbourhood, which is characterized by the Vatican dome. Looking at it from the Gianicolo hill, or from the top of Villa Abamelek itself, I’m always amazed by the contrast between St. Peter’s dome and the Orthodox Church dome: they are so close geographically, but yet so distant.
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
Mercato fonte Egeria
Take back your vegetables
The market next to the Egeria water plant in Rome, or the "Mercato fonte Egeria", is an opportunity to meet regional farmers and buy fresh local produce!
by
Max
Giudice
Pasticceria Regoli
A Roman breakfast
"Pasticceria Regoli" is the real deal in Rome. Open for generations, come here to get one of their delicious flagship maritozzi...
by
Max
Giudice
Pizzeria Ostiense
Roman vibes on pizza
"Pizzeria Ostiense" in Rome makes typical pizza that has Romans come in droves! What's also good here are the 'fritti', which deserve a special mention...
by
Max
Giudice
Villa Latina
Fresh breeze, pines and Roman tombs
"Villa Latina" is not the best known of Rome's parks, but it's along an ancient road where you feel time never passed & ancient Romans are still around...
by
Max
Giudice
Parco di Tor Fiscale
Aqueducts and the sky
"Parco di Tor Fiscale" in Rome is a hidden treasure. It combines nature and views of mountains with aqueducts and is a journey for the mind & soul...
by
Max
Giudice
S. Maria della Vittoria
A theater in a church
Up for dramas, love, emotions, or - why not - theatre? Well, then the church of "S. Maria della Vittoria" in Rome is your place.
by
Max
Giudice
Coppedè Neighborhood
Architecture and symbols
The magical neighborhood of "Coppedè" is entirely different from the rest of Rome - go visit it and you'll know what I mean...
by
Max
Giudice
Monte Mario
The king of Rome
"Monte Mario" in Rome and its amazing views is the kind of place I always come back to when I need to clear my mind...
by
Max
Giudice
Gianicolo
An explosive sunset
"Gianicolo" is a hill in Rome where you get the most amazing sunset views. Come here to chill with a friend - and see the canon fire every day at noon!
by
Max
Giudice
Palazzo Venezia Garden
A secret oasis
I come to the "Palazzo Venezia Garden" whenever I want to forget that I even am in Rome. It's perfect even for taking naps in the midst of it all...
by
Max
Giudice
Stadio dei Marmi
Your temple of sport
"Stadio dei Marmi" in Rome is a stadium where anyone can come to train for free, but the atmosphere is so chill, it's also great for reading your book...
by
Max
Giudice
Tram Depot
Retro coffee stop
"Tram Depot" in Rome feels like a shady oasis. This tiny bar is designed to resemble an old-fashioned tram depot with a vintage theme throughout...
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
✓ 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:
