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Rome's Dark Side Ghosts and Legends Tour
5.0
30 Ratings
Roma
Uncover Rome’s dark side on a chilling after-dark stroll. Hear tales of gruesome executions, haunted palazzos, and the ghost of a Count who cavorted with Marie Antoinette.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Campo de’ Fiori - Our guide will meet you and begin the tour here with our first story - be prepared!
- Piazza Farnese - Learn the history of this renaissance palace and its surroundings, with some hidden tales not usually told
- Vicolo delle Grotte - On Rome’s dark backstreets, hear a tale of an 18th Century magician, who is it said still haunts the area today
- Ponte Sisto - Discover the tale of the woman who ruled Rome, her rise to power, and why it’s said that she haunts the bridge to this day
- Via Giulia - Hear tales of a mysterious order of monks with a rather macabre task
- Via di Monserrato - Discover one of history’s worst prisons, as well as the history of the most notorious Pope - and his family - as well as how he haunts the area now.
- Via dei Banchi Vecchi - See the modern gelato shop that was once a very different business, run by one of history’s most prolific poisoners.
- Via del Banco di Santo Spirito - Discover the story of Rome’s most famous executioner, at his house.
- Castel Sant’Angelo - At our last stop, we discover the history of Castel Sant’Angelo, from its origins as an Emperor’s tomb to being the site of executions. Hear one of Rome’s most tragic tales that happened right here.
What's Included
- Small Group of maximum 15 people
- English Speaking Expert Guide
- Entertainment and Chills
What's Not Included
- Food and drink - a break stop will be offered at a cafe
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
AirBnB Award Winning Tour
Every city has a dark side, and Rome is no different. We have ghosts, gruesome executions, and murders, and they can be fascinating. Join us for an after-dark stroll to explore these tales of Rome. For every grand palazzo and opulent church, there can be a darker tale hidden behind the stones.
Come along on a night-time stroll with our award winning storytelling guides to discover a history of Rome that could leave you chilled or amused, but definitely fascinated.
Hear tales that include the execution of one of history’s best scientific minds, try and spot the ghost of a Count who cavorted with Marie Antoinette, and learn the incredible story of a woman known as ‘the female Pope’, who is said to haunt the bridge you’ll stand on.
From the house of a notorious poisoner to a church with a rather macabre story to go with its grim decoration, explore the backstreets of the city, where you will discover the stories of a completely different side of Rome.
- We can often provide sign language interpreters if we are told in advance
Location
Campo de' Fiori
Your guide will be waiting in front of the statue in the middle of the square, holding a sign saying "Rome's Dark Side - Ghosts & Legends"
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(30 Ratings)
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Claireycat12
Aug 12, 2024
Highly recommend - Absolutely amazing,Ben was our guide and he was welcoming, funny and very knowledgeable....WOW would book again 100%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Taram68
Aug 8, 2024
A Must When In Rome - Romes Dark Side Tour is definitely a must when in Rome. Ivana was our tour guide. Her enthusiasm & love of Rome was very apparent and the knowledge and history she imparted was incredible. The tour was 2 hours, but due to Ivana’s friendly, inclusive and fun manner, it went by very quickly.
The tour brings you through the Bohemian part of Rome and is a wonderful way to see a different side of the city and learn about its dark past. It is astounding at how much history is packed into this small corner of Rome.
I would highly recommend this tour. It was one of our favourite things we did while in Rome. Thank you Ivana for such a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica_d
Jul 13, 2024
A MUST DO - Ben was a wonderful guide! We learned a lot about uncommonly things not mentioned in the bigger tours. It added to our wonderful experience of Italy. THANK YOU!!
Review provided by Viator
Gina_a
Jul 10, 2024
Loved it! - Great tour, the guide is very passionate about the experience and it makes it all the more fun. Good stories, lots of dark history and even a cafe stop.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer
Jul 9, 2024
Great Tour - Really worth the time and money. - The tour was great. His knowledge of the area and the history was amazing, and the stories captivated even my 10 year old. He also made a great recommendation for a place for dinner, too! Overall, a great experience and a wonderful tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christina_l
Jul 2, 2024
Great fun exploring Rome's dark side - Alethea was our very enthusiastic guide and she took us on a fascinating tour of Rome's lesser known areas, complete with hilarious, sinister and downright spooky stories (the one about the former jail sent chills down my spine). It's an easy walk around the historic centre of Rome, and a great way to absorb the history of the place without being overbearing. Being at night also helps with the summer heat!! Thanks Alethea for a great evening out!
Review provided by Viator
Margaret_f
Jun 30, 2024
Wonderful tour! - Alethia’s narration was fascinating and informative, and the sights brought history to life. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Nataliagn4858zc
Jun 19, 2024
The best experience ! - This experience was incredible! I learned a lot, and each story was fascinating and engaging. María, the guide, was very good, kind, and speaks both English and Spanish, which is a plus. Definitely one of the best activities to do in Rome. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sue_raj5
Jun 19, 2024
Dark side ghosts and legends tour - Here is one tour to not miss whilst in Rome! Go on this tour and gear up to laugh, be intrigued, have a drink and basically just have a blast and unwind. It’s fact based and just the right amount of scary with a bit of history. I was a bit concerned because I had back pain at the beginning of the tour but I’m so glad I did not miss it. Ivana, our superb guide who spoke excellent English, made sure there were places to lean on or sit while she regaled us with stories dating back to the dark past. She also gave us some wonderful recommendations to explore for the rest of our stay! The group size was just right as well. This was a wonderful and fun experience. Definitely one of the highlights of our Rome trip! Thank you Ivana ❤️❤️❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica
Jun 13, 2024
Great time on a spooky little tour with a lovely guide! - Came to Italy for our honeymoon and took this tour our last night in Rome. Most of our other tours around town have been like ‘checking a box,’ making sure we saw everything of note with a guide who was rushing through the same stuff they see every day. Ivana was different in a fantastic way, personable and friendly with great stories about every stop along the route. I feel like we learned more little factoids and snippets of history from our time with her than we did on any other tour we took in Rome. Definitely enjoyed our experience, would recommend to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
