Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome
by Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$8.10Overview
This walking tour in Rome lasts two and a half hours and covers several important historical sights. It begins at Porta del Popolo, the city gate once used by pilgrims arriving in Rome. The guide provides an introduction to the gate and explains Rome’s development from the Republic, one of the earliest forms of democracy, through its transformation into the Roman Empire after a series of civil wars. The tour then moves to Piazza del Popolo, where visitors see the twin churches designed by Bernini and the obelisk of Ramses II. The route continues past the tomb of Emperor Octavian Augustus, founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Next, the group passes Palazzo Borghese, a 16th-century palace belonging to the powerful Borghese family. There is a break for gelato and restroom use at Gelateria della Palma, known for offering over 150 flavors. The tour then stops at the Pantheon, also called the Temple of all the gods, where Raphael and early Italian royals are buried. Afterward, the itinerary proceeds to Piazza Navona, which retains the shape of the Stadium of Domitian. The walk continues along Via dei Coronari, a street preserved from Renaissance times, following the path of historic pilgrims. Crossing the Tiber River via Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the Bridge of Angels, the guide explains its connection to the martyrdom of Christ. The tour pauses briefly at Castel Sant'Angelo, a medieval fortress originally built to house Emperor Hadrian’s ashes. The final stop is on Via della Conciliazione near Castel Sant'Angelo, offering a view of St. Peter’s Basilica and a brief introduction to the Vatican. The booking fee for the tour is included; gratuities are not. The tour is tip-based at the end.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Porta del Popolo
The tour begins with an introduction at Porta del Popolo, also known as Porta Flaminia, the gate leading into Piazza del Popolo.
10 min
Piazza del Popolo
Visitors walk through Piazza del Popolo, noting the twin churches designed by Bernini and the obelisk of Ramses II located in the square.
15 min
Tomb of Octavian Augustus
The route passes the tomb of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman Emperor and founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
15 min
Palazzo Borghese
The group passes the 16th-century Palazzo Borghese, the residence of the powerful Borghese family.
10 min
Gelateria della Palma
A break for gelato and restroom use occurs at Gelateria della Palma, one of Rome’s most famous gelato shops offering over 150 flavors.
15 min
Pantheon
The tour stops at the Pantheon, also called the Temple of all the gods, where Raphael and early Italian royals are buried.
15 min
Piazza Navona
Visitors walk through Piazza Navona, which retains the shape of the Stadium of Domitian where ancient events were held.
20 min
Via dei Coronari
The tour continues along Via dei Coronari, a street preserved from the Renaissance era that pilgrims historically used.
15 min
St. Angelo Bridge
Crossing the Bridge of Angels, the guide shares the story of Christ’s martyrdom associated with the bridge.
15 min
Castel Sant'Angelo
After crossing Ponte Sant’Angelo over the Tiber River, the tour pauses at Castel Sant’Angelo, a medieval fortress originally built to hold Emperor Hadrian’s ashes.
5 min
Via Della Conciliazione
The tour concludes on Via della Conciliazione, offering a view of St. Peter’s Basilica and a brief introduction to the Vatican.
15 min
Meeting point
Meet the guide at Porta del Popolo, the gate to Piazza del Popolo. On the outside are two sculptures. The sculpture on the left, of a man holding a book is where you will find your guide.
End point
We finish the tour outside Castle Sant'Angelo with a view over the St. Peter's Basilica
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Rome
- Rome Small Group Walking Tour Between Holy Doors and Basilicas
- Rome Food Experience 3-Hour Walking Tour with Dinner, Drinks, Max 6 People or Private Option
- Castel Sant'Angelo Museum Skip the Line Ticket in Rome
- Rome Morning Vespa Sidecar Tour with Cappuccino
- Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Semi-Private Tour
- Urban Rafting on Rome's Tiber River
Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome
by Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tours
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$8.10Overview
This walking tour in Rome lasts two and a half hours and covers several important historical sights. It begins at Porta del Popolo, the city gate once used by pilgrims arriving in Rome. The guide provides an introduction to the gate and explains Rome’s development from the Republic, one of the earliest forms of democracy, through its transformation into the Roman Empire after a series of civil wars. The tour then moves to Piazza del Popolo, where visitors see the twin churches designed by Bernini and the obelisk of Ramses II. The route continues past the tomb of Emperor Octavian Augustus, founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Next, the group passes Palazzo Borghese, a 16th-century palace belonging to the powerful Borghese family. There is a break for gelato and restroom use at Gelateria della Palma, known for offering over 150 flavors. The tour then stops at the Pantheon, also called the Temple of all the gods, where Raphael and early Italian royals are buried. Afterward, the itinerary proceeds to Piazza Navona, which retains the shape of the Stadium of Domitian. The walk continues along Via dei Coronari, a street preserved from Renaissance times, following the path of historic pilgrims. Crossing the Tiber River via Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the Bridge of Angels, the guide explains its connection to the martyrdom of Christ. The tour pauses briefly at Castel Sant'Angelo, a medieval fortress originally built to house Emperor Hadrian’s ashes. The final stop is on Via della Conciliazione near Castel Sant'Angelo, offering a view of St. Peter’s Basilica and a brief introduction to the Vatican. The booking fee for the tour is included; gratuities are not. The tour is tip-based at the end.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Porta del Popolo
The tour begins with an introduction at Porta del Popolo, also known as Porta Flaminia, the gate leading into Piazza del Popolo.
10 min
Piazza del Popolo
Visitors walk through Piazza del Popolo, noting the twin churches designed by Bernini and the obelisk of Ramses II located in the square.
15 min
Tomb of Octavian Augustus
The route passes the tomb of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman Emperor and founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
15 min
Palazzo Borghese
The group passes the 16th-century Palazzo Borghese, the residence of the powerful Borghese family.
10 min
Gelateria della Palma
A break for gelato and restroom use occurs at Gelateria della Palma, one of Rome’s most famous gelato shops offering over 150 flavors.
15 min
Pantheon
The tour stops at the Pantheon, also called the Temple of all the gods, where Raphael and early Italian royals are buried.
15 min
Piazza Navona
Visitors walk through Piazza Navona, which retains the shape of the Stadium of Domitian where ancient events were held.
20 min
Via dei Coronari
The tour continues along Via dei Coronari, a street preserved from the Renaissance era that pilgrims historically used.
15 min
St. Angelo Bridge
Crossing the Bridge of Angels, the guide shares the story of Christ’s martyrdom associated with the bridge.
15 min
Castel Sant'Angelo
After crossing Ponte Sant’Angelo over the Tiber River, the tour pauses at Castel Sant’Angelo, a medieval fortress originally built to hold Emperor Hadrian’s ashes.
5 min
Via Della Conciliazione
The tour concludes on Via della Conciliazione, offering a view of St. Peter’s Basilica and a brief introduction to the Vatican.
15 min
Meeting point
Meet the guide at Porta del Popolo, the gate to Piazza del Popolo. On the outside are two sculptures. The sculpture on the left, of a man holding a book is where you will find your guide.
End point
We finish the tour outside Castle Sant'Angelo with a view over the St. Peter's Basilica
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Rome
- Rome Small Group Walking Tour Between Holy Doors and Basilicas
- Rome Food Experience 3-Hour Walking Tour with Dinner, Drinks, Max 6 People or Private Option
- Castel Sant'Angelo Museum Skip the Line Ticket in Rome
- Rome Morning Vespa Sidecar Tour with Cappuccino
- Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Semi-Private Tour
- Urban Rafting on Rome's Tiber River