Highlights
- Santa Maria della Vittoria
- Piazza Navona
- The Bridge of Angels
- Palace of the Propaganda Fide
- Pantheon
- Santa Maria del Popolo
Preview Description
Follow in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and unravel centuries of historical intrigue in the Eternal City
Description
Unravel the Intrigues of Powerful Popes and Aristocrats through the Eyes of Robert Langdon
This Rome private tour takes its inspiration from Dan Brown's thrilling adventure ‘Angels and Demons', and builds upon the fascinating themes that he explores. Following in the tracks left by the novel's master symbologist Robert Langdon, we'll visit the main sites featured in the book and come face-to-face with spectacular monuments crafted by the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Our journey will lead us through the most famous piazzas in Rome as well as off-the-beaten-path sites that conceal centuries of intrigue.
Discover some of Rome's greatest artistic masterpieces
Dan Brown's story provides an exciting framework for exploring the dynamics of Rome's greatest artists and their main patrons, amongst them the most infamous popes of all time. We'll also discover how the threat of the Inquisition loomed over these great figures pursuing cutting-edge research in the arts and sciences. Although they were earning their bread and butter from the Popes, Renaissance and Baroque artists took much of their inspiration from the exciting works of pagan sculpture, painting and architecture being rediscovered all across Rome. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini were all given free access to the massive Papal collections of pagan antiquties, and developed their own ideals of artistic beauty in their image.
Censorship and Innovation in Renaissance and Baroque Rome
Galileo's scientific studies were also indebted to ancient Greek and Roman analysis of the stars and the universe, as well as to the controversial studies of his predecessor Copernicus. Some Popes supported the study of these these ancient authorities, aware of their contribution to the Renaissance, or ‘rebirth', of mathematical, artistic, architectural and scientific inquiry - but knowledge was a dangerously powerful tool, and had to be strictly controlled by the elites. New discoveries were carefully probed for potential heresy by the watchful eyes of the Vatican Council for Religious Propaganda, and any ideas that were deemed to be against Church Doctrine were quickly condemned. Over the centuries scores of people were tortured, hanged or burned at the stake for their tireless inquiries into the mysteries of the world implicitly challenging the pre-eminence of Papal authority.
Explore the Contradictory World of Papal Patronage and Uncover the Scandals of the Past
On this Rome private tour we'll seek to unravel countless fascinating mysteries. Why did Galileo spend the last twenty years of his life under house arrest for his scientific studies proving that the earth was a satellite of the sun and not the center of the universe? Why were Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel declared by important members of the pope's council to be indecent and in need of censoring - or even destruction? Why was Raphael permitted to work on pagan themes revolving around the often scandalous lives and loves of the gods of ancient mythology - but only in the most private chambers of the popes and cardinals? Why were Caravaggio's controversial paintings frequently removed from the churches for which they were intended on grounds of decorum, only to be quickly purchased for the private collections of cardinals and the wealthiest men in Rome?
These fascinating questions and many more will occupy us on this exploration of the Eternal City. Join us on this unique Rome private tour as we follow in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and uncover the mysteries and controversies that have animated Rome for the last 500 years.
Activity Level
As this is a walking tour through different areas of the city with steps and uneven walkways, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
- The Pantheon is a spectacular building located in Rome, Italy. The Pantheon is located at Regione IX Circus Flaminius.
The Pantheon The Pantheon is a spectacular building located in Rome, Italy. The Pantheon is located at Regione IX Circus Flaminius. Originally its construction was commissioned by ... moreMarcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome. The Pantheon was built in 27-25 BC by the magistrate Marcus Agrippa in order to commemorate the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the battle of Actium. Later this original temple was burned down in 80 AD. It was then completely reconstructed by the Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD.
The Pantheon is a circular structure with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns under a pediment. There is a rectangular vestibule which links the porch to the rotunda, which is underneath a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. Until today, this dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The diameter of the interior circle and the height to the oculus are the same, 43.4 meters. The oculus was the only source of light to the building at the time when it was constructed.
The Pantheon was later turned into a church. Today the Pantheon contains tombs of several famous artists and various Italian kings. The tombs in the Pantheon include among others those of the painters Raphael Sanzio da Urbino, Carracci Annibale, the architect Baldassare Peruzzi, and Arcangelo Corelli. In Adittion to the kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I as well as Umberto's Queen, Margherita.
The Pantheon is renowned for its exclusive architectural structures and the use of space. The special designs of the portico, the bronze doors ,the dome, tall walls, oculus, decorations and monumental tombs all contribute to the beauty of the building and turn it into a great tourist's attraction. There is also a lovely fountain nearby topped by an ancient Egyptian obelisk which was erected by Pope Clement XI.
The Pantheon also borders with the Piazza della Rotonda, which is a rectangular square situated in the historic center of Rome. With its long history and the many reconstructions made to it, the Pantheon it is one of the most visited buildings in Rome. The square bordering the Pantheon is always crowded with tourists taking pictures or moving in and out of the building. The Pantheon is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m on Sunday and on holidays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no admission fee needed in order to enter the building; it is open to the public free of charge.
There is no doubt that the Pantheon is a spectacular building that is worth a visit. Both the interior and the exterior of the building are amazing and breathtaking.The large dome, the oculus, the huge columns, and the inscriptions are exemplary. The Pantheon is said to be the Roman monument with the largest number of records and it is the most imitated of all ancient structures.
Type: Attraction, Historic
- Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful baroque sites in Rome. It was built at the exact place where the Domiziano Stadium was situated.
Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful baroque sites in Rome. It was built at the exact place where the Domiziano Stadium was situated. This magnificent square has ... moremore than three magnificent fountains. The Piazza Navona is located in the historic center of Rome, west to the Pantheon. The square is one of the liveliest and most visited squares of Rome, with many outdoor cafes, restaurants and nightclubs in the surrounding areas.
There are several structures that can be found at Piazza Navona namely:
Domitian’s Stadium: this is the stadium that occupied this site before Piazza Navona was built. The stadium was built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD and although you cannot see it today the Piazza Navona took its oval shape from this structure.
Fountain of the Four Rivers: Its fountains are among the major attractions of Piazza Navona. The central fountain, called Fontana dei Quattro Fium (Fountain of the Four Rivers), is the largest and most attractive. The fountain features four figures, each representing a river from a different continent – rivers Rio de la Plata, Ganges, Nile and Danube. The statues are at the base of a rock supporting an obelisk, originally located at the Massenzio Circus, near the Appian Way.
The Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone: the church was commissioned in 1652 by Pope Innocent X. The facade of the church was designed by Borromini and it was completed in 1670.
Neptune Fountain and Moor Fountain: these are two other outstanding fountains in the Piazza Navona. The first is the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain) on the northern side of the piazza and Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain) on the southern side. The Neptune Fountain was built in 1576 by Giacomo della Porta. During the 19th century, the statues of Neptune surrounded by sea nymphs were added. The Moor Fountain was also built by Giacomo della Porta; and it has a central statue of a Moor holding a dolphin designed by Bernini which was added in the 17thcentury. The Fontana del Moro was vandalized on the 3rd of September 2011. The man who damaged the fountain was captured on the security cameras.
The Piazza Navona has hosted several events and festivals. Between 1650 and late 19th century, The Piazza Navona could be flooded during the summer season and was used for aquatic games and staged marine battles. Piazza Navona is a cool place to hang around and this is true for Rome's local residents as well as tourists. It also features beautiful sculptural and architectural creations. There are many artists who gather in the square to paint and there are also several entertainers and vendors who sell souvenirs. The nightlife at the Piazza Navona is also lively as there are many nightclubs in the surrounding areas of the square. In Christmas the Piazza hosts a charming Christmas market. The Piazza Navona is a square full of life and worth a visit. There are lots of people, artists sharing their talents and lots of places to enjoy meals and have fun.
Type: Attraction, Historic
| 2 People | Private Tour | $ 61281 | Please use "Additional Guests" to add more |
| Weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, until Tue, Dec 31 2024 | 3:30 PM | | 4:00 PM | | 4:30 PM | | 5:00 PM |
Check In Details
Your guide will meet you in front of the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. They will have a Through Eternity sign or flag.
Cancellation Policy
Standard Policy
- Cancellations made 2 days before will be fully refunded except for a service fee of 3%.
- Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
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