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Ancient Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood

3 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Rome, Italy

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2 hours (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Overview

Uncover the darker side of Ancient Rome on this ghost-filled walking tour through the city’s bloodstained past.

From the assassination of Julius Caesar to haunted imperial palaces and cursed streets, you’ll explore the stories history books prefer to forget.

Hear of emperors murdered by their own guards, empresses executed in scandal, and traitors left to rot on the Gemonian Steps.

Walk through the old Suburra — once home to brothels and riots — and end with a chilling view of the Colosseum, where death became public entertainment.

Led by expert storytellers, this tour blends real history with eerie legends from Roman writers and ancient accounts. It’s not about costumes or gimmicks — just strange tales, violent ends, and the lingering presence of the past.

If you’re looking for a Rome ghost tour that’s smart, spooky, and steeped in truth, this is it.

What's Included

Small group experience (max 15 guests) for a more personal atmosphere
Guided 2-hour walking tour of Ancient Rome’s dark history and ghost stories
Expert English-speaking storyteller guide

Snacks A stop will be made for optional snacks and drinks
Entry to archaeological sites or museums (the tour takes place outdoors)
Optional

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Largo di Torre Argentina
00186 Roma RM, Italy

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza del Colosseo
00184 Roma RM, Italy

We will end at Largo Gaetano Agnesi, above the Colosseo metro stop.

What To Expect

Area Sacra di Largo Argentina

Stand above the very site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE. Hear the story of his brutal murder, the chaos that followed, and the chilling legends of his ghost returning to haunt the men who betrayed him.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Teatro di Marcello

View the ruins of Rome’s oldest surviving theatre and learn about Livia, the empress accused of eliminating rivals — including her own stepson — to secure the throne for her son. Discover how imperial ambition may have been laced with poison.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Capitoline Hill

Look out over the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, once home to emperors like Caligula. Hear how his descent into madness ended in assassination — and how his ghost was said to haunt the palace halls long after his death.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Carcer Tullianum

Stand beside the infamous steps where traitors and enemies of the state were executed and left to rot. Visit the entrance to the Tullianum prison, where powerful prisoners were strangled underground and denied a proper burial.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Via dei Fori Imperiali

Walk through the area of Domitian’s forum and hear how he tried to escape a prophecy about his death — only to be murdered at the predicted hour. Discover how his name was erased from history and his ghost feared by the servants who survived him.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Monti

Enter what was once Rome’s seediest district, the Suburra. Hear the scandalous story of Messalina, the emperor’s wife who allegedly walked these streets at night — and whose ghost is still said to linger in the shadows.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Scalinata dei Borgia

Visit the staircase near the ancient Vicus Sceleratus, where a Roman princess drove her chariot over her murdered father’s body. Learn how the Romans believed acts of violence could curse entire streets.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Colosseum

Finish the tour with a dramatic view over the Colosseum. Hear how this arena was built from conquest, filled with blood, and possibly haunted by the countless gladiators and prisoners denied burial and peace.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 6 more stops

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Ancient Rome’s Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-447142P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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3

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The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Ancient Rome’s Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood?

A:

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

Apr 2025

Q: What's included in the price?

A:

The following is included:

Small group experience (max 15 guests) for a more personal atmosphere.
Guided 2-hour walking tour of Ancient Rome’s dark history and ghost stories.
Expert English-speaking storyteller guide.

The following is NOT included:

Snacks. A stop will be made for optional snacks and drinks.
Entry to archaeological sites or museums (the tour takes place outdoors).
Optional.

Apr 2025

Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?

A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025

Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?

A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025

Q: Is this an accessible tour?

A:

Accessibility information for the Ancient Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood is as follows:

Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Apr 2025

Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?

A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Ancient Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Mar 2024