Hauntings, Visions and Spectres in Eternal Rome

As dusk settles over Rome, your journey into the city’s mysterious past begins beneath the watchful gaze of Giordano Bruno in Campo de’ Fiori. Here, your expert guide unveils the heretical ideas and esoteric beliefs that led to the philosopher’s fiery execution, setting the tone for an evening steeped in intrigue. From there, your walk winds through quiet, shadowed streets to Via Monserrato, where the ill-fated Beatrice Cenci spent her final days before her tragic beheading. Along the way, you will discover the chilling story behind Pope Alexander VI’s bizarre burial at the Spanish National Church, while the old lanes of Via dei Coronari bring to life the courtesans who once shaped Renaissance society. Your guide then leads you to the home of Mastro Titta, Rome’s last executioner, who oversaw hundreds of grim public punishments.

Crossing toward Castel Sant’Angelo, you’ll hear tales of notorious prisoners, daring escapes, and centuries of papal justice—all set against its beautifully illuminated façade. At Piazza Navona, the shadowy legends continue with the story of Olimpia Maidalchini, a powerful noblewoman whose black carriage is said to haunt the night even today. Nearby, the chilling tale of Costanza De Cupis and her spectral hand adds another layer of mystery to the square. The tour concludes at the Pantheon, where recent sightings of the ghost of King Umberto I have fascinated locals and visitors alike. For those who wish, a final stop for artisanal gelato near the Pantheon offers a sweet and welcome end to this unforgettable night walk.