Quartiere Coppedè

Tucked between Via Salaria and Corso Trieste, the Quartiere Coppedè is Rome's most overlooked architectural wonder. Built between 1913 and 1927 by architect Gino Coppedè, this small neighborhood of 17 palaces and 27 buildings blends Art Nouveau, medieval, Baroque and Mannerist elements into something entirely its own.

The centerpiece is the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs), surrounded by ornate palaces decorated with mythological figures, enormous spider webs in wrought iron, and elaborate frescoes. Most Romans have never been, and almost no tourists find their way here. The area around Via Archimede and Piazza Mincio rewards slow wandering — look up at the facades for hidden details.