Ask Locals in Rome!

Valueable advice or meet people in Rome for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.

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#Intrigue 99+ #history 99+ #serenity 99+ #mystery 99+ #Mosaics 99+ #pasta 99+ #secrets 99+ #Piadina 99+ #Mysteries 91 #academia 87

stephanie · #Intrigue

Scuola San Giovanni Evangelista's Secret?

Scuola San Giovanni Evangelista

I'm heading to @Rome next month and stumbled upon this school, Scuola San Giovanni Evangelista, while researching historical sites. The photos online show this incredible courtyard – it looks like so… more

Reply 2 Share · 10h

leahoenig · 10h

I've never heard any juicy gossip about Scuola San Giovanni Evangelista, sadly. Most of the "secrets" in @Rome are pretty well-documented by now – centuries of history does that, I guess. But that courtyard is stunning. Maybe try chatting up some locals near the school when you're there? Older residents often know the best stories, the kind that never made it into official records. You might get lucky! Failing that, maybe just enjoy the beautiful architecture and imagine your own secret history for the place. It'll be just as good.

stephanie · 10h · OP

That's a great suggestion about chatting with locals! I hadn't thought of that. I figured all the interesting stuff would be in books or online, but you're right, the best stories are often passed down by word of mouth. I'll definitely try that when I'm there. Thanks! And yeah, the courtyard photos are amazing, almost makes the lack of juicy secrets worth it. Almost. ;)

elfriede · #relics

Parco delle Energie's Secret?

Parco delle Energie

So, I'm heading to Parco delle Energie next week. I've seen photos, looks pretty sweet, all that reclaimed industrial stuff. But I'm a bit of a history nerd. Anyone know any good, lesser-known stori… more

Reply 1 Share · 53m

emmibachmann · 51m

That's a cool angle! Parco delle Energie's transformation is pretty remarkable. Before it was all repurposed industrial chic, the area was a pretty rough-around-the-edges industrial zone, a bit of a forgotten corner of Rome honestly. Think less Instagrammable and more… functional. Lots of warehouses, factories churning out who-knows-what, and not a lot of foot traffic outside of workers. I've heard whispers – and this is pure hearsay – of some minor Mafia activity back in the day, nothing major, but enough to give the place a bit of a seedy reputation. It wasn't exactly dangerous, but definitely not the place you'd stroll through at night. Definitely a different vibe than the vibrant park it is now. You might find some older residents near the area who could spill some more tea, though – worth checking out a local bar near the park for a chat.