Hidden Gems of Ancient Rome with Context

Peel back Rome’s layers to discover lesser-known places in the shadows of iconic landmarks on this walking tour with Context Travel expert Veronica Iacomi, a PhD archaeologist and expert guide. Starting on Campidoglio, the hilltop square designed by Michelangelo, you‘ll wind your way through Centro Storico, the Eternal City‘s central neighborhood. You‘ll visit landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, but you‘ll also discover the city’s hidden histories and little-known facts around every corner. Did you know that the statue of a porter on Fontana del Facchino (or Il Facchino fountain) wasn’t actually sculpted by Michelangelo? On your way to Museo dell‘Ara Pacis, a museum housing an ancient Roman altar where our tour ends, you‘ll see ancient and modern sculptures, piazzas adorned with Roman columns and Egyptian obelisks, and architecture spanning centuries. On this 90-minute walk, you‘ll have an opportunity to: • Explore many of the city’s different layers by learning how places have been reused, redeveloped, and restored from ancient times to today • See the “Talking Statues” used by Romans to anonymously express controversial opinions about their leaders, from past Popes to present politicians • Take in ruins that illustrate ancient Romans’ daily lives, from proto-apartment buildings to aqueducts and Porta del Popolo, the remnants of the city‘s defensive walls • Visit Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the Spanish Steps • Spot the original Egyptian Obelisk of Montecitorio in front of Palazzo Montecitorio, which houses one of two branches of the Italian parliament • Stroll down Roman thoroughfares like Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta • Walk along both avenues that border the church Santa Maria in Montesanto By the end of this tour, you‘ll come away with a deeper understanding of the long history of the Eternal City. Context Travel connects you with world-class experts for audio guides like this one, as well as in-person tours. Explore more at contexttravel.com.

Price: £19.99 from VoiceMap