This was one of our favorite tours in Rome and highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the history of Rome’s churches, their architects and artists, their founders, and the symbology/iconography of their interiors. You also learn about the many feuds and disputes among Rome’s ancient families, along with some local ghosts and legends. Our tour guide provided great insight and details into the history of Catholic Rome. You quickly learn that nothing in the churches is “art for art’s sake,” every painting, mosaic, statue, and symbol (along with their arrangement) is there to make a theological or often political point. It was a fascinating 3.5 hour walk among many churches that are off the average tourist itinerary and in parts of the city we had not previously visited. I do need to stress that this is a specialty tour. For those who have an interest in this subject, I can’t think of a better way to spend a morning.
Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Rome: Saints, Heretics & the Inquisition Small Group Walking Tour
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Price from
- $57 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 3 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 5
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Treasures of Rome
- Meeting point
- On the side of Castel Sant'Angelo. Look for the angel with the lance at the begining of the bridge. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Description
What exactly can you expect from this tour? Immerse yourself in the Rome of wonders, saints, and the Roman Inquisition. Experience the contrast between the veneration of exemplary saints and the secular side of the former Papal States. Highlights: You will visit the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, the last resting place of Master Borromini. After that follows the famous Campo de'Fiori. A former field of flowers, transformed into a place of execution. Then "Sant'Andrea della Valle" will enchant you with the Barberini chapel. Then you will visit "Piazza Navona", with the fountain "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", by Bernini, and the church "Sant'Agnese in Agone", designed by Borromini. Afterward, we visit the church "Santa Maria delle Anima" with its colourfulness and "San Luigi dei Francesi", with the paintings of Caravaggio and Guido Reni. Finally, you will reach the highlight of the tour, the "Pantheon" and you will also discover the seat of the Roman Inquisition.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, and Fri
- Start times
- 9:00 AM
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 26
- Adult (ages 18–80)
- $57
- Youth (ages 13–17)
- $34
- Child (ages 0–12)
- Free
In demand: 7 of the next 20 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 23.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Basilica di San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini
Resting place of Master Borromini who designed the altar. A church build to display the artstyle of Florence.
Church containing the relics of Saint Neri and has one of the best barock desings.
Campo De' Fiori
A former field of flowers, which was transformed into a place for executions.
This is one of the biggest churches in the city with the famous Barberini chapel.
Piazza Navona
Built on top of the stadium of the Emperor Domitian, with the fountain "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi", by Bernini, and the church "Sant'Agnese in Agone", designed by Borromini.
Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone
Designed by Borromini and build for Pope Innocent X. The Relics of Saint Agnes are kept here.
Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Anima
Church with most impressive paintings and vivid colors.
Church of St. Louis of the French
Church containing three masterpieces from Caravaggio and one from Guido Reni.
Pantheon
One of the most iconic antique buildings, now transformed into a church. We do not enter the Pantheon.
What's included
Included
Entrance fee
Tour Guide
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Starting price $57 is 49% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,095 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To enter the Churches, shoulders, back and knees have to be covered.
- This is a walking tour
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Rome: Saints, Heretics & the Inquisition Small Group Walking Tour lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $57 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 9:00 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 0–12 pay nothing, adults from $57.
Does this tour sell out?
It can: 7 of the next 20 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is On the side of Castel Sant'Angelo. Look for the angel with the lance at the begining of the bridge. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 5 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Treasures of Rome.
Reviews(3)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Fascinating insights into Rome's history
1 people found this helpful
A
An authentic experience
I had a wonderful time on the tour with Roberto and a small group. He is very knowledgeable and can adjust the tour very well to the groups interest and languages. Very impressive! The tour was thoughtfully planned, and each church we visited was extremely unique and beautiful. If you are Christian/Catholic I would highly suggest this tour over the more general touristic ones. You will experience relics of the saints, and artistic masterpieces containing biblical themes. Everything was breathtaking, I would certainly take another tour!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review. I love the pictures you uploaded, especially the last one! I hope we meet again soon!
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