5 (85)
Rome
Rome Ghost Tour: Legends & Dark Secrets Await!
90
Overview
Ghosts Legends and Mysteries of Rome Walking Tour invites brave souls on a thrilling journey into the Eternal City's shadowy past. This walking tour explores Rome's haunted streets, sites of public executions, and chilling urban legends, all supported by historical facts and a dash of dark humor. Prepare to be captivated by tales of compassionate executioners turned writers, online exorcism communities, history's most prolific serial killer, and even the ancient Roman origins of recycling and cancel culture.
What to Expect: This spooky tour takes guests to places like Castel Sant'Angelo, once a mausoleum and papal fortress, and Via Giulia, a street with a history as rich as it is unsettling. Participants will also visit the Church of Death and Campo de' Fiori, where public executions once took place. Along the way, the licensed tour guide will share stories linked to locations like Ponte Sant'Angelo, the House of the Kindest Executioner, the Haunted Arch, the House of Benvenuto Cellini, the House of Giulia Tofana, Corte Savella, Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte, and Fontana del Mascherone.
This experience includes a licensed tour guide sharing urban legends and ghost stories on a walking tour of haunted places. What it excludes is gratuities, as the tour operates on a 'Pay-What-You-Want' model, allowing guests to tip their guide based on their enjoyment of the experience. Perfect for adults and teens (12+ only), this tour includes sensitive topics, graphic content, and satirical commentary. 
Highlights
Uncover Rome's Dark Side: Explore haunted streets and hear chilling urban legends.
Expert Storytelling: A licensed guide shares historical facts with dark humor.
Iconic Locations: Visit Castel Sant'Angelo, Campo de' Fiori, and more.
Pay-What-You-Want: Tip your guide based on how much you enjoyed the tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers enjoyed the spooky and historical stories shared by knowledgeable and entertaining guides, making it a memorable way to experience Rome at night. Some customers felt that the tour was missing darker elements, like crypts and catacombs.
Customers loved hearing scary stories and historical facts.
Many reviewers thought the guide was very fun and knew a lot.
Some guests thought the tour was a great way to see Rome at night.
A few reviewers appreciated that the tour guides had a good understanding of the historical timeline of Rome.
One person felt it was inappropriate to be told on the tour that ‘we are all going to die’.
Some guests wanted to see catacombs or a crypt. The tour did not have access to those locations.
The Journey
Castel Sant'Angelo
Explore Castel Sant'Angelo, a colossal cylindrical fortress with roots stretching back to Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum in 139 AD. Over centuries, it transformed into a papal residence, a formidable fortress, and even a prison. Ascend to the rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views of Rome and marvel at the iconic statue of the Archangel Michael, forever guarding the city.
Ponte Sant'Angelo
Cross Ponte Sant'Angelo, a Baroque masterpiece adorned with ten exquisite angel statues designed by Bernini and his workshop. Each angel bears a symbol of Christ's Passion, creating a poignant and beautiful procession leading to Castel Sant'Angelo. Visit at night to experience the bridge's mystical atmosphere, with shadows transforming the angels into solemn sentinels guarding the fortress's secrets.
House of the Kindest Executioner
Uncover the intriguing story of Rome's 'kindest executioner' at a location known for its somber history. While the exact residence remains shrouded in mystery, tales of executioners offering solace and quick deaths to condemned prisoners highlight the human complexities even in the darkest of professions. This stop offers a glimpse into the macabre side of Rome's past.
The Haunted Arch
Discover 'The Haunted Arch,' connected to the story of a controversial Roman exorcist and a place of intense prayer. Although the arch’s exact location can vary based on local lore, the tale invites visitors to explore the convergence of spiritual devotion and rumored paranormal activity within Rome’s ancient streets.
House of Benvenuto Cellini
Visit the former home of Benvenuto Cellini, a 16th-century artistic genius celebrated for his sculptures and metalwork. However, Cellini's life was also marked by scandal, as he was notorious as a rapist and murderer. The contrast between his artistic brilliance and his violent nature offers a compelling, albeit disturbing, insight into Renaissance Rome.
House of Giulia Tofana
Uncover the chilling legend of Giulia Tofana, a 17th-century woman who sold poison to women seeking to escape abusive marriages. Her haunted house, steeped in whispers of the Inquisition, serves as a grim reminder of the era's dark secrets. Explore the neighborhood and imagine the clandestine activities that once unfolded within its walls.
Corte Savella
Reflect on the grim history of Corte Savella, once Rome's only prison authorized to carry out executions within its walls. This location is particularly poignant as the site where Beatrice Cenci, a noblewoman condemned for patricide, was tortured before her execution. The site stands as a stark reminder of justice, power, and tragic fate.
Via Giulia
Stroll along Via Giulia, a picturesque street designed by Bramante in the early 16th century. Lined with Renaissance palaces, ivy-covered facades, and hidden courtyards, this elegant street offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Once a central artery of aristocratic life, Via Giulia embodies the timeless charm of old Rome, inviting you to step back in time.
Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte
Visit Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte, a chilling Baroque church built by a secretive confraternity dedicated to retrieving and burying abandoned corpses. Its interior, adorned with skulls, bones, and eerie symbols of death, creates an atmosphere where the line between the living and the dead feels unsettlingly thin. Explore this unique and thought-provoking monument to mortality.
Fontana del Mascherone
Discover the Fontana del Mascherone on Via Giulia, an eerie Baroque fountain featuring a grotesque stone mask that mysteriously spouts water from its grimacing mouth. This fountain is also tied to a grim historical event: it was near this location that John Paul Getty III was kidnapped in 1973. A mix of artistic charm and historical darkness, this spot is a memorable stop.
Campo de' Fiori
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Campo de' Fiori, a historic square bustling with a colorful morning market. By night, the piazza transforms into a lively hub with bars and restaurants. Beneath the lively facade lies a darker history: the statue of Giordano Bruno stands as a solemn reminder of the square's past as a site of executions during the Inquisition. Day or night, Campo de' Fiori offers a powerful blend of life and remembrance.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a licensed tour guide leading a walking tour filled with urban legends and ghost stories in haunted places. Tips are not included, as this is a tip-based tour where guides work solely for tips. The tour is suitable for adults and teens aged 12 and up. Be aware that the tour includes sensitive topics, graphic content, and satirical commentary.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers say the tour is best enjoyed at night for a more immersive and spooky experience. Also, bring cash to tip your guide based on how much you enjoyed the tour.
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