Rome in 1 Day for Friends - Meet at the statue in Campo de' Fiori for an atmospheric intro
In Collaboration with Dark Side City Tours. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Join a lively small-group evening walk through Rome’s shadowy backstreets. This 2‑hour guided tour uncovers murders, scandals and hauntings from Campo de' Fiori to Castel Sant'Angelo — then stick around for post‑tour drinks with the group.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Dark Side City Tours, inspired by the tour Rome's Dark Side Ghosts and Legends Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at the statue in Campo de' Fiori for an atmospheric intro
- Hidden alley stories: Vicolo delle Grotte & Via dei Banchi Vecchi
- Haunting tale on Ponte Sisto (the ‘female pope’ story)
- Final, dramatic story at Castel Sant'Angelo
- Optional post‑tour drinks — swap theories with the group
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening meeting and 2‑hour guided ghosts & legends walk, followed by optional drinks with the group.
Arrive & Meet — Statue at Campo de' Fiori (gathering point)
Arrive 10 minutes early and find the tall hooded statue in the centre of Campo de' Fiori. This is where your guide (holding a 'Rome’s Dark Side – Ghosts & Legends' sign) will greet the group and take names before the walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive by 19:50 so the group can start promptly at 20:00 — Campo de' Fiori is busy, so pick the central statue as your landmark.
- Autumn evenings get chilly near the open square — bring a light jacket; you’ll want to be comfortable standing outdoors.
- Groups-first tip: keep valuables tucked away while the group assembles and take a group selfie with the statue (great for social posts).
Campo de' Fiori — Opening story
Your guide opens the tour with Campo de' Fiori’s darker history — markets by day, grim tales by night. Expect vivid storytelling and a little audience interaction to set the tone.
Tips from local experts:
- Position yourself slightly to the side of the statue so everyone in the small group can hear the guide.
- Bring a compact torch on foggy/autumn nights — it helps with reading old plaques and for moody photos.
- If you want a pre‑tour snack/espresso, pick it up before 19:50; cafes close or change pace in the late evening in autumn.
Piazza Farnese — Renaissance palace & hidden scandal
Short walk to Piazza Farnese to learn the lesser‑told tales of the Farnese palace and the scandalous secrets that echo through its façades.
Tips from local experts:
- This square is well lit at night; use it for quick photos of the group and the imposing palazzo façade.
- Listen for the guide’s local details — they’ll point out small features you’d miss alone (perfect for fun arguments later over drinks).
- If you’re in a playful mood, note the tiny details in the palace stonework — a great conversation starter for the group.
Vicolo delle Grotte — Alley of the magician
Slip into one of Rome’s narrow backstreets to hear the spooky tale of the 18th‑century magician rumoured to still haunt this lane.
Tips from local experts:
- Streets are narrow — keep close to the guide and watch your step; comfortable shoes are essential for the group.
- Autumn can bring damp cobbles; avoid heels and bring non‑slip soles if you plan to dance away at later bars.
- This alley makes a dramatic backdrop for short video clips — capture 10–15 seconds for an atmospheric reel.
Via Giulia — Tales of a mysterious order
Walk along Via Giulia while your guide tells the story of a mysterious order of monks and the macabre duties that earned them grim reputations.
Tips from local experts:
- This stretch is atmospheric in low autumn light — stand where the guide indicates to avoid blocking pedestrian flow.
- If you’re making plans for after the tour, note nearby cafe names the guide mentions; they’re great for late snacks.
- For group logistics, agree on a post‑tour meeting spot (e.g., a bar name) in case you split off — easy to reconnect in Trastevere later.
Via di Monserrato — Prison and the notorious Pope
Pause to hear about one of history’s worst prisons and a notorious pope whose family still sparks ugly stories — plus why locals say his spirit remains.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop involves a short standing period; if someone in your group needs a seat, ask the guide to pause near a café with chairs.
- Because the tale references sensitive history, expect atmospheric but measured storytelling—perfect for group discussion afterwards.
- If any friends love macabre trivia, ask the guide for recommended reading or a local podcast about the area.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi — From poisoner’s den to gelato shop
See the modern storefronts hiding a painful past: the site once connected to a prolific poisoner now houses everyday shops — hear the twisted history here.
Tips from local experts:
- This quiet lane is perfect for small‑group stories — stay close for the full effect of the guide’s narration.
- If you and your friends are into food, note the gelato‑shop mention for a future daytime return visit.
- Watch for narrow doorways and low lighting; keep backpacks forward to avoid bumping local shop windows.
Via del Banco di Santo Spirito — House of the executioner
Stop to learn about Rome’s most famous executioner and the chilling stories tied to his house on this street.
Tips from local experts:
- The guide will point out small architectural details tied to the stories—bring your friends closer to catch them.
- If someone in your group is uneasy about grim details, step slightly back or request a brief pause; guides are used to pacing the macabre.
- Street lighting is variable — use phone flash sparingly to avoid ruining the atmosphere for others photographing the scene.
Ponte Sisto — The story of the ‘female pope’ and the haunted bridge
Cross Ponte Sisto and hear the legend of the woman who ruled Rome and is said to haunt the bridge — a favourite spooky stop with dramatic river views.
Tips from local experts:
- Ponte Sisto offers great night photos — try silhouette shots against the river lights with your group for a memorable image.
- Autumn breeze off the Tiber can be cold; bring a scarf. Keep an eye on group members when pausing on the bridge (narrow walkway).
- If anyone wants a quieter moment, step slightly to the side of the main flow — great for private stories or a short audio recording.
Castel Sant'Angelo — Final dramatic tale
End at Castel Sant'Angelo for the tour’s climax: from emperor’s tomb to execution site, hear one of Rome’s most tragic and spine‑tingling stories under the castle’s night sky.
Tips from local experts:
- This is the tour finale — arrive at the front row to hear every detail and to get the best night photos of the castle façade and river.
- Castel Sant'Angelo area can be breezy and cooler in autumn; a warm layer helps if you plan to stay outside afterwards.
- After the story, the guide will suggest nearby lively bars in Trastevere — pick one as your group meetup if you split up.
Optional: Post‑tour drinks — Socialise at Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere)
Keep the night going with drinks nearby in Trastevere. Freni e Frizioni is a popular local spot that welcomes small groups — a relaxed way to swap favourite moments and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Freni e Frizioni is popular — arrive early or ask your guide for a quick reservation option for groups of 4+.
- Cash and cards both accepted, but smaller bars sometimes prefer cash for quick rounds — split the bill apps work well for groups.
- Nightlife note for friends: order a few sharable plates to keep costs down and sample local aperitivo flavours; outdoor seating is atmospheric in autumn evenings.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Nightlife |
