The Heart of pagan Rome at Velabro

The Heart of pagan Rome walking tour is a deep dive into the origin of the Eternal city, the myth of the foundation and the pagan cults that were the pillars of the struggle for survival of the early years.

It revolves around the small valley enclosed among the Palatine hill, the Capitol hill, and the Tevere river: the Velabro valley, the name probably derived from a small creek streaming there before joining the Tevere river.

There, in the marsh resulting from winter rains, the basket with the sacred twins, Romolus and Remus, landed safely and was found by the she wolf that suckled them so that they could survive and years later established a small village on top the Palatine.

Ancient cult altars, first defensive walls, triumphant gates, Mithraeums hidden under medieval churches, fruit and vegetables market that predates the birth of Rome and many other small, usually neglected, gems of ancient times will be revealed along the path of the tour.

The Tour ends by the Circus Maximus, the famous location for Chariots races of ancient Rome, a place that could host up to 250 thousands people to attend the games.

Here we will enjoy the Italian GELATO, a casual conversation, then: "ciao" 'till next time!

An activity with locals from meeting to farewell.

--> Are you travelling alone, on a business trip, or on a family trip?
Here’s a perfect choice:

1. A walking tour easy to join by public transport or a private transfer (ask us if you need it).
2. A small group, up to 6 people, so that conversation will flow nice and smooth.
3. The company of locals from the meeting point to the final "Ciao, till next time!".

The 3 steps of an Ideas for Travelers experience:

Step 1. Meet & greet:
"Ciao! Welcome It's a perfect day to walk in Rome!", let's be friends.

Step 2. Walk and discover:
let's take a look at the eternal city through our eyes, get a real roman insight, let the chit chat flow.

Step 3. Enjoy Gelato and talk:
it says it all!

Meeting Point

"Tempio Rotondo" or Hercules Triumphant at Foro Boario (see map: pickup location)

Farewell point

Circus Maximus area.

Itineraries

Meeting Point

Tempio Rotondo at Foro Boario

Cloaca Max and Ponte Emilio

Temple of Portuno

S. Nicola in Carcere church

Ghettarello archeological site

Portico d'Ottavia

Apollo and Bellona temples

Teatro Marcello e Mura Serviane

Porta Triumphalis

Holy area of S. Omobono and Rupe Tarpea

Arch of Janus

Arch of Argentari

S. Giorgio al Velabro church

S. Anastasia at Palatine

Farewell point

Gelato at Circus Maximus

the "Italian Gelato" is the perfect way to say: "goodbye till next time!"

Includes:

Meet, walking tour as described under the tab "Trip Outline", "Italian GELATO", chatting and smiling.

Excludes:

Everything not included at “Trip includes”.