The ghosts and mysteries that a city like Rome might hide can either frighten or fascinate…. It certainly arouses a certain curiosity to discover who, among the many figures of the past who have passed through it, may still stroll the streets of the Capital and frighten unsuspecting passers-by…
The Eternal City is famous for its thousand-year history of battles, conquests, intrigues and mysteries. Great heroes and restless souls who cannot leave the scene to the passing of time.
This highly original tour will take you on the discovery of Rome’s most enigmatic places, accompanied by a guide who will not fail to reassure you… or scare you!
Our adventure will begin at Castel Sant’Angelo, which we will visit from the outside. Rising on the banks of the Tiber River, it was built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian in 123 AD and later transformed into a fortress and prison.
Throughout the centuries, the castle has been a symbol of power and protection for the city of Rome, even hosting numerous popes during invasions and wars.
Today Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum that attracts millions of visitors every year, who can admire its impressive architecture and fascinating stories.
This place is known for its dungeons where nobles, artists and common criminals lived, united by the sad fate of becoming a macabre spectacle for the Roman people of the time, who gathered on the bridge to watch their executions.
After listening to the restless voices of the prisoners of Castel Sant’Angelo, we will continue our walk along Via del Governo Vecchio to reach Piazza Pasquino, where we will find the statue of an ancient Greek hero, or what remains of it, namely the bust and head. Pasquino is still today the most famous talking statue in Rome: at night, at his feet or around his neck, anonymous critical and satirical messages were hung by the citizens and addressed to the most important politicians and public figures of the time.
Next stop is Piazza Navona, which links its history to that of an intriguing noblewoman: Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphili, known as La Papessa and nicknamed “La Pimpaccia” because of her association with a prostitute, Pimpa, a character in a play. Born in Viterbo in 1591, Olimpia was greedy for money and power and, according to legend, this cost her the highest price of all, her life!
We will also devote our attention to the majestic Fountain of the Four Rivers, located in the center of the square, which seems to be associated with a dark omen for any lover: those who go around the fountain counterclockwise lose their loved one…so beware!
After discovering the ghosts around the Pantheon, we will arrive at Piazza della Minerva: here we will admire Minerva Obelisk, a statue with an obelisk standing on the back of a small marble elephant, sculpted by Bernini: it is no coincidence that the animal turns its back on the old seat of the Inquisition, as a sign of disapproval.
A few steps and we will be in Largo di Torre Argentina, where Julius Caesar, one of the most important figures of the Roman Empire and the origin of many mysteries, was assassinated. We will end our tour in Piazza Mattei, named after Palazzo Giacomo Mattei.
Highlights:
– Castel Sant’Angelo
– Via del Governo Vecchio
– Piazza Paschino
– Piazza Navona
– Pantheon
– Piazza Minerva
– Largo Torre Argentina
– Piazza Mattei
