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Ghosts and Mysteries Walking Tour of Rome

Embark on a spine-chilling journey through Rome's dark and gripping past.

Step into the shadows of the Eternal City and uncover the grim, captivating history that lies beneath Rome’s vibrant streets. Starting at Castel Sant’Angelo, this mesmerizing walking tour delves into tales of executions, hauntings, dark legends and famous historical figures—from executioners to notorious poisoners—that shaped the city’s macabre past.
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Itinerary Highlights

  • Castel Sant’Angelo & Ponte Sant’Angelo: Begin at the majestic mausoleum-turned-papal-fortress and hear the tragic tale of the Cenci family near the site of public executions.

  • Mastro Titta’s Legacy: Stop at the childhood home of the infamous executioner of the Papal States to learn about his chilling profession, methods and human side through excerpts from his diary.

  • Giulia Tofana: Discover the intriguing story of the Sicilian poisoner who created “Aqua Tofana” to help women escape oppressive marriages.

  • Eerie Sites: Visit the eerie Santa Maria Dell’Orazione e Morte and the Fontana del Mascherone, both steeped in dark history and legends.

  • Ponte Sisto & Trastevere: Cross the oldest bridge in Rome, learning about its history of tragedy, and explore the cultural significance of the Madonelle shrines in the alleyways of Trastevere.

  • Campo de’ Fiori: Conclude the tour at this historical execution site, learning about the fate of Giordano Bruno, whose spirit is said to haunt the area.

Why book this tour

  • Dark History Focus: Go beyond the usual tourist sites to explore the true, often grim, history of Rome, focusing on executions, legends and crime.

  • Meet Mastro Titta: Discover the unique and macabre life of Giovanni Battista Bugatti (Mastro Titta), the official executioner of the Papal States, learning about his techniques and personal diary.

  • Macabre Architecture: Visit genuinely eerie and historic sites like the Santa Maria Dell’Orazione e Morte church and the ominous Ponte Sant’Angelo, famous for public executions.

  • True Crime and Legends: Learn about influential and notorious figures such as the tragic Cenci family, the poisoner Giulia Tofana, and the haunted legacy of Giordano Bruno.

  • Comprehensive Itinerary: The tour efficiently covers a range of significant locations from Castel Sant’Angelo to the historic execution ground of Campo de’ Fiori.

Description

Begin at Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later a refuge for Popes, where you will uncover the tragic story of the Cenci family and the grim events surrounding the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a site of public executions.

Next, delve into the life of Giovanni Battista Bugatti, known as Mastro Titta, the official executioner of the Papal States. Stop at his childhood home and learn about his rise to notoriety, unique execution techniques, and the macabre entertainment that accompanied public executions. The tour also features tales from his diary, revealing the human side of his profession.

Discover the intriguing life of Giulia Tofana, a Sicilian who created a deadly beauty product to help women escape abusive marriages, and hear about the notorious history of Santa Maria in Monserrato church and the haunting legacy of Carcere di Corte Savella prison.

As you visit the eerie Santa Maria Dell’Orazione e Morte and the ominous Fontana del Mascherone, encounter the stories that shaped the city.

Learn all about the fascinating history of Ponte Sisto, the oldest bridge in Rome, constructed in the late 15th century to replace dangerous ferry crossings over the Tiber River. Originally commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, this bridge has witnessed tragedies, including numerous suicides and ferry disasters.

We will explore the cultural significance of Trastevere on the opposite bank and the unique local shrines called Madonelle, designed to ward off crime in dark alleyways.

Finally, stroll through Campo de’ Fiori, a historical execution site, and learn about influential figures like Olimpia Maidalchini and Giordano Bruno, who is said to haunt this area. This tour will mesmerize and enlighten, revealing the layered and haunted history that lies beneath Rome’s vibrant streets.

Things to know before the tour

-Please Note: most of the attractions will be visit from outside because it will closed when we get there
-Not suitable for:
Children under 10 years
Wheelchair users
-This tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Important information

This tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

Unfortunately, if you arrive late or don’t show up and lose the tour, we cannot issue any refund. However we can always try to reschedule your reservation, but we will need to ask you to pay a reschedule fee to pay the costs of the new tour.

Cancellation policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Meeting point

At the end of Bridge that is in-front of Castel Sant’Angelo – The guide will be holding a company branded Flag.

Included

  • Professional English-Speaking Guide
  • Visit to major landmarks including in the product description

Excluded

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

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About the Tour

Offered in English

Duration

2 hours

Level

Easy

Access

Audio

Small Group Tour

Maximum group size of 20 people

Dates and departures

All year, Friday to Sunday

Values

— What you won’t miss

You Will See

castle s angelo rome

Castle St. Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo, originally built as the Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, stands as a magnificent cylindrical fortress on the banks of the Tiber River. Seamlessly blending its roles from imperial tomb to papal residence and prison, it offers a fascinating journey through Rome's layered history and stunning panoramic views of the city.
Campo dei Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de' Fiori (Field of Flowers) is one of Rome’s liveliest and most historical squares, renowned for hosting a vibrant daily market selling fresh produce, flowers and local goods. Despite its cheerful daytime atmosphere, the square also carries a solemn history, marked by the statue of philosopher Giordano Bruno at its center, where public executions once took place.

— About Us

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