Rome Street Art Tour with The Roman Gay
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking on city streets with some uneven surfaces for the duration.
Overview
Discover Rome’s Testaccio district through 2.5 hours of vibrant street murals and industrial history with The Roman Gay. This guided Spanish-language walk brings iconic contemporary art and cultural landmarks to life.
Street Art Tour • Guia español 🇪🇸
For all ages! • 2.5 h • Licensed Spanish Speaking Guide
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour journey through Rome's vibrant street art and rich industrial history. Starting at the Cestia Pyramid, explore iconic murals, including works by renowned artists like Blu and Kid Acne. Discover the unique Testaccio district, its serene cemetery, and end at the Ex Mattatoio, a contemporary art hub.
Between street art and industrial archaeology
Duration
2,5 hours
About
We will start our adventure outside the Pyramid Metro.Our first stop will be the Cestia Pyramid, which is nothing more than a memorial erected by Gaius Cestio Epulone between 18 and 12 BC. From there we will continue towards Via Ostiense, passing under the railway bridge, the first place which was officially dedicated to street art. The underpass sees the presence of dozens of works by taggers and writers who are among the best known in Rome.
Surely the most famous mural in the area is that of Blu, a well-known Bolognese artist. He has completely painted the River Harbour which is a building occupied by people who have no home. Proceeding towards the Gazometer there are other very beautiful works, Fish and kids by Iacurci is a wall entirely covered by huge faces of the common man made by Sten and Lex with a very particular technique that brushes the effect of the stencil. Exactly in front of we will see JB Rock's The Wall of Fame where he mentioned for every letter of the alphabet a person who has been significant for his life, including his mother. Also Kid Acne's giant Paint over the Cracks, an internationally renowned African artist, stands out from many other pieces of art around the area.
After Ostiense, our adventure will continue in Testaccio, the working-class district of Rome. It owes its name to the Mount of Cocci (about 35 meters) on which it stands, born from the remains of the Roman shards accumulated during the years of the past centuries. Testaccio's most famous and photographed mural is The Jumping Wolf (not bad also the little #raimbowall at his feet) and Domenico Romeo's Tribulation of a meeting point. Another special place in the area is the Acattolic Cemetery, a small oasis of peace and quiet in the heart of Rome. There are buried the poet Shelley, Antonio Gramsci and the kitten Romeo (cat particularly loved by tourists). Our adventure will end in the Ex Mattatoio of Testaccio, home of the Macro (Museum of Contemporary Art, which we strongly suggest to visit after the end of the tour) and the place of the birth of the Muccassassina, the most cult event of the Roman gay community.
Good to know
Pets friendly tour.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers urban streets and some uneven surfaces in the Testaccio area, so sturdy shoes are essential.
Bring a bottle of water
Though mainly a city walk, staying hydrated is important, especially during warmer months.
Check weather before booking
Rain can make outdoor murals harder to fully appreciate and some areas slippery, so plan accordingly.
Bring a camera or smartphone
The colorful murals and unique urban settings are a photographer’s delight—capture them while you can.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds such as pigeons and swifts
- Stray cats, including the famous cemetery cat Romeo
History
Testaccio’s name comes from the Mount of Cocci, a 35-meter hill formed by fragments of Roman pottery discarded over centuries, reflecting the district’s industrial past.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving street art through respectful urban renewal and supporting community artists while maintaining the balance between heritage and contemporary culture.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is crucial for 2.5 hours of urban walking.
Water bottle
Hydration helps maintain energy and focus, especially in warm weather.
summer specific
Light jacket or raincoat
Protects against rain and cooler temperatures during off-summer seasons.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture photos of striking murals and urban environments.