Start your journey at Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb and later used as a sanctuary by the Popes. Unravel the sorrowful tale of the Cenci family and the dark events tied to Ponte Sant’Angelo, once a notorious location for public executions.

Dive into the story of Giovanni Battista Bugatti, famously known as Mastro Titta, the official executioner of the Papal States. Stop by his childhood home and uncover how he gained infamy, along with the distinctive methods he employed and the grim spectacle surrounding public executions. The tour includes fascinating entries from his diary, offering a glimpse into the personal side of his grim profession.

Learn about the captivating life of Giulia Tofana, a Sicilian woman who devised a lethal cosmetic to aid women in escaping abusive marriages. As part of the journey, discover the dark history of the Santa Maria in Monserrato church and the chilling legacy of the Carcere di Corte Savella prison.

As you walk past the eerie Santa Maria Dell’Orazione e Morte and the sinister Fontana del Mascherone, you’ll encounter stories that have left an indelible mark on the city.

Next, immerse yourself in the rich history of Ponte Sisto, Rome’s oldest surviving bridge, built in the late 15th century to replace treacherous ferry routes across the Tiber River. Commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, this bridge has been the scene of many tragedies, from ferry accidents to suicides.

We’ll explore the cultural depth of Trastevere on the other side of the river, along with the unique local shrines called Madonelle, which were once placed in dark streets to ward off crime.

At Piazza Farnese, take in the stunning Renaissance design of the Farnese Palace, the former residence of Pope Paul III, and uncover its intriguing ties to art and history.

Lastly, wander through Campo de’ Fiori, a square with a grim past as a site of executions, and hear about historical figures like Olimpia Maidalchini and Giordano Bruno, whose ghost is rumored to linger in the area. This tour promises to fascinate and illuminate, revealing the hidden and haunted history beneath Rome’s bustling streets.