Guided Walking Tour of Rome's Ghosts and Mysteries

Rome, the Eternal City, has had an action-packed history full of battles, conquests, intrigues, and mysteries. It goes without saying, then, that there are tales of lurking legends, heroes, and restless souls who have chosen to fight against the passage of time. They are known to wander through the alleys, bridges, and squares of Rome, lending it a mysterious (and oftentimes, ghostly) aura.

On this tour, you begin your adventure from Castel Sant'Angelo, which you will see only from the outside. This was a place notorious for housing prisoners that included nobles, artists, and common thugs alike. From here, stroll along Via del Governo Vecchio to reach Piazza Pasquino. Here, your guide will point out the statue of an ancient Greek hero–or what remains of him, in any case–a bust and a "swollen" face. At Piazza Navona, you'll learn about the restless souls that hover around the Pantheon, which was once a pagan temple before it was transformed into a Catholic church.

When you arrive at Piazza della Minerva, see Bernini's obelisk of the Minerva, which rests on the back of a small elephant. This is known as the "little elephant of the Minerva," and dates back to 1667. A stone's throw away, you'll find Largo di Torre Argentina, where the great Julius Caesar was assassinated. End your tour at Piazza Mattei, which takes its name from the Palace of Giacomo Mattei, which overlooks it.