World War II Walking Tour

This powerful and thought-provoking walking tour takes you through Rome’s central historic district to uncover the city’s complex role during Fascism, Nazi occupation and eventual liberation in 1944. As you explore well-known landmarks, your expert guide reveals how the city became the capital of Fascism for two decades and how traces of this era still lie hidden in plain sight. Beginning at Trajan’s Column, you’ll move to Piazza Venezia—once the political stage of Mussolini’s regime—where he addressed vast crowds from the famous balcony. The walk continues into the Roman Forum, where Mussolini’s fascination with the ancient world left concrete marks on both the cityscape and its identity.

From there, the tour leads into the Jewish Ghetto, offering an insightful look into the long history of Rome’s Jewish community and the tragic events they faced during the war. Passing through Piazza Navona, you’ll reach the Tiber River to explore the complex role of the Church during Fascism and Nazi occupation. The experience concludes with the emotional story of Rome’s liberation in June 1944, when retreating Nazi forces fled and the U.S. Fifth Army entered the city to scenes of overwhelming joy. This tour connects past and present, offering a compelling journey through memory, resilience, and the lived history etched into Rome’s streets.