When you’re in Italy you’ll discover that the country is full of hundreds of amazing sights & museums to visit and of course, you’ll want to see the main attractions like the Vatican Museums & Borghese Gallery but once you’ve visited these masterpieces you may be looking for something off the normal path. Thanks to Italy’s vast history, there are so many lesser-known Italian museums that you can visit to see some unique artwork and sculptures and a big bonus, they will be much more quiet! Discover our top Lesser-known Italy Museums that can make your visit to Italy so special.

#1 National Etruscan Museum
Address: Via di Villa Giulia, 9, Rome.

The National Etruscan Museum in Rome is housed in the Villa Giulia. The villa was built in the 1550s for Pope Julius III and later became a museum of pre-Roman antiquities of the Etruscan and Faliscan civilizations. The collection includes bronzes, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and funeral urns, including the famous Sarcophagus of the Spouses, a nearly life-size terracotta funerary monument. Other notable objects include the Pyrgi Tablets, the Apollo of Veii, and the Cista Ficoroni. In addition to the museum, the Villa Giulia also boasts beautiful gardens to explore.

#2 Sacro Cuore Del Suffragio Church
Address: Lungotevere Prati, 12, Rome

In the back of the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio on the banks of the Tiber, an intrepid traveler will find the Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. This tiny but free museum houses a collection of bibles, prayer books, clothing, and tabletops said to be burned by the hands of souls in purgatory. This unique collection offers a glimpse at an intriguing facet of spiritual life.

#3 Keats-Shelly House 
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 26, Rome.

While many visitors climb the Spanish Steps in Rome every day, few bother to stop next door to see the Keats-Shelley House, a museum dedicated to romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. The museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia, paintings, letters, and manuscripts related to Keats and Shelley, as well as Oscar Wilde, Byron, Wordsworth, Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

#4 Museo Della Zisa 
Address: Piazza Zisa, Palermo

A little bit further off the beaten path is the Museo della Zisa located in the Castello della Zisa in Palermo. The lavish castle was built in the twelfth century by Moorish craftsmen to serve as a summer residence for the kings of Sicily. History and art lovers will enjoy the collection of ninth to twelfth century Islamic art from Sicily and the Mediterranean area.

#5 Ferrari Museum
Address: Via Paolo Ferrari 85 – 41121, Modena.

After soaking up the art and history of Rome, it’s important to also experience the other cultural attractions Italy has to offer. Museo Ferrari in Maranello offers visitors a chance to
explore the history of the iconic road and competition cars as well as trophies and historical memorabilia related to the motor racing industry. The museum also offers exclusive shuttle bus tours to the nearby Fiorano track and the factory complex. Test drives are also available nearby for racing enthusiasts.