Rome, La CittàEterna.

The secret elevated passage that popes used to escape to Castel Sant'Angelo during sieges. Pope Clement VII fled through it during the Sack of Rome in 1527 while Swiss Guards died defending him.

Ten Bernini-designed angel statues line this pedestrian bridge, each holding an instrument of Christ's Passion. Every statue is a masterpiece. Walk it slowly — most people just cross quickly without looking.

The French Academy in Rome since 1725, set in a 16th-century Medici villa with magnificent gardens. Contemporary exhibitions, beautiful grounds and views over Rome — almost nobody visits it.

The Pope's summer residence sitting on the rim of an ancient volcanic crater lake. The papal palace gardens are now open to the public. Lake Albano below is perfect for a swim in summer.

The most famous white wine of Rome, grown on volcanic soil in the Castelli Romani hills. The town itself is charming with panoramic views. The local specialty is porchetta — slow-roasted whole pig, sold from roadside trucks.

Ancient Rome's port city, abandoned after malaria in the 5th century and never built over — making it better preserved than Pompeii in many ways. Walk through multi-storey apartment buildings, bars, theatres, and taverns exactly as they stood 2,000 years ago.

The closest proper Mediterranean beach to Rome — clear water, a medieval castle on the headland, and local restaurants serving that morning's catch. Romans escape here every summer weekend.