Ghost tour: horror and horror in the streets of Rome along 8 places with a dark history

Rome is a city full of splendor, that is a fact. But the city – like many large, centuries-old cities – also has a dark side. I took a ghost tour through Airbnb through the most terrifying places. In the evening, of course, because then everything is just a little more exciting. I will take you virtually to the places I visited with my host Benjamin. I will not reveal the full stories, so you will still have some details if you decide to take the tour yourself. 

1. Campo de' Fiori

We meet the group that will take the ghost tour at Campo de' Fiori, the most famous market in Rome. Specifically at a mysterious statue in the middle of the square. It doesn't remain a mystery for very long, because once the host kicks off his tour, it quickly becomes apparent that this statue is central to the first story.

The figure dressed in a cloak and with a book in his hand appears to be Giordano Bruno. A philosopher and freethinker who was burned at the stake in this exact spot for his views. 

2. Palazzo Farnese

We walk through a narrow alley and arrive at Piazza Farnese. There takes one Palazzo with the same name takes up almost the entire square. Today this building houses the French embassy, ​​but originally it was the residence of the influential Farnese family.

One of the members of this family was Alessandro Farnese. In 1534 he was appointed cardinal. Rumor has it that Alessandro was interested in the occult, summoning spirits and demons from the underworld. Local residents claim to still hear strange noises around the building...

3. Ponte Sisto

The story that belongs to the next place, Ponte Sisto, is about a woman who was way ahead of her time. Donna Olimpia was once appointed by the Pope as Minister of the Streets of Rome and Minister of Finance of the Vatican.

Not all Romans were happy with her because she increased taxes. Then the Pope the only one who kept her job was dying, she fled in her carriage. Three guesses which bridge she crossed when she packed up. 

4. Via Giulia

We arrive in Via Giulia. Here is Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte. Anyone who understands a little Italian can already deduce something sinister from this. The word 'death' is in the name of this church, and the exterior of the building alone tells the story.

The door of the church is decorated with 2 skulls, but that is nothing compared to the inside. As soon as you step through the door, you are greeted by countless (real!) skulls and other bones. 

5. Via di Monserrato

Rome has no fewer than 900 churches, so it is not entirely surprising that 2 buildings in the list are houses of worship. Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli is located just a few meters from the previous church on the list.

This is a Spanish church, built with the support of the infamous Borgia Pope Alexander VI. Many scandalous rumors circulated about this pope, including that he was having an affair with his own daughter. 

6. Corte Savella

You wouldn't want to walk alone in this area of ​​Rome in the dark, because behind every street corner there is a macabre story. We arrive at Corte Savella, a court and prison from the 17th century.

Prison conditions were not nice: convicts were sometimes kept in small cages and tortured and humiliated. The story of the noble Cenci family also begins here. Daughter Beatrice killed her father because of abuse and ended up in Corte Savella. 

7. Ponte Sant'Angelo

We'll walk with the group to one of Rome's most impressive buildings: Castel Sant'Angelo. To reach the castle, you first have to cross the 135-meter-long marble bridge, Ponte Sant'Angelo.

On this bridge, Beatrice was beheaded, along with family members who helped her in the murder. Thousands of Romans witnessed these executions. 

8. Castel Sant'Angelo (Castle Sant'Angelo)

The castle itself is the setting of another ghost story. Legend has it that the Archangel Gabriel was seen on top of the castle's roof.

During a period of plague, Pope Gregory I left the castle to prevent believers from worshiping a pagan idol. Upon his return, he saw Gabriel next to the statue of fellow Archangel Michael on the roof of Sant'Angelo, with a blood-covered sword in its sheath.

The most exciting stories of Rome in scents and colors

Of course I've already given you a sneak peek, but this doesn't come close to matching host Benjamin's tour. He is a master of storytelling and passionately takes you on a time journey through ancient Rome. During the ghost tour he also tells interesting facts about other places you pass on the route. Want to experience it yourself? You can book the award-winning Airbnb tour here. 

Finish with a Roman meal

If your stomach isn't upset by all the scary stories, you can also find excellent food nearby. I visited the restaurant on the recommendation of my host The Coral. I was looking for zucchini flowers, and they were frequently on the menu here. Delicious Roman food and very friendly service.

More blood-curdling spots

Not tired of it yet? There are more places in Italy that you can travel to as a lover of exciting stories. First of all, you will find numerous abandoned ones ghost towns. But also think about, for example poveglia, the ghost island off the coast of Venice. 

Would you also like to take a ghost tour through Rome?