About this experience
On this self-guided walking tour through Rome, you'll follow popes, fictional characters and artists through the Eternal City. If Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, then Rome is its nursery. It's here that the cultural movement took form, and some of its greatest works were realised.
On this self-paced walking tour from St Peter's Square in Vatican City to Piazza di Spagna, Mike Corradi—author and producer of A History of Italy Podcast—will show you traces of the movement's evolution through artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
Ancient Rome will jump out at you around every corner, and you'll delve into the city's more distant past, too. After all, one key characteristic of the Renaissance was a love of antiquity. You'll see this side of the movement classically represented throughout the city, in monuments like the Mausoleum of Augustus and, towards the end of our tour, in the famed Villa Medici.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min–2 hr
- Private experience
What is included
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Tickets to any optional attractions en route
Itinerary and highlights
Begin your journey at the iconic St. Peter's Square, located in the Vatican City, and marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Admire the architectural brilliance of St. Peter's Basilica, commissioned by Pope Julius II and considered a driving force for the Renaissance in Rome and central Italy.
Explore the secret escape route of the popes, known as the Passetto del Borgo, which connects St. Peter's Basilica to Castel Sant'Angelo, revealing the intriguing history of papal security measures.
Delve into the mysteries of Chiesa Sacro Cuore del Suffragio, a church claiming evidence of communication between souls in purgatory and the living world, offering a glimpse into Rome's spiritual realm.
Encounter the Ara Pacis, an ancient altar dedicated to the Roman goddess of peace, showcasing the enduring influence of antiquity on the Renaissance movement.
Witness the remnants of ancient Rome at the Mausoleum of Augustus, an architectural marvel from the time of the Roman Empire, reflecting the Renaissance's appreciation for classical antiquity.
Experience the iconic Spanish Steps and Trinità dei Monti, emblematic of Rome's cultural heritage and architectural splendor.
End your tour at Piazza di Spagna, a bustling square surrounded by elegant buildings and adorned with the famous Barcaccia Fountain, capturing the essence of Renaissance Rome.
Meeting and pickup information
- St Peter's Square can be easily reached by taking the underground to the "Ottaviano" stop, then walking through Piazzale Risorgimento, then along the colonnade to Piazza San Pietro.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
- Entrance fees to ticketed attractions are not included on the products total price
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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