easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires moderate stamina for walking at a steady pace.
Explore Rome through the eyes of World War II history on a 2.5-hour guided walking tour that reveals hidden stories and wartime landmarks beyond the classic sites. Discover the city’s Fascist past and its dramatic 1944 liberation like never before.
Great for history buffs and veterans!
Discover Rome's hidden WWII history on a captivating 2.5-hour walking tour. Explore iconic sites like Trajan's Column and Piazza Venezia, uncovering memorials and stories often overlooked by tourists. Led by an expert guide, delve into the city's Fascist past and the liberation in 1944, making for an unforgettable experience.
2.5 hours
The city of Rome was the capital of Fascism for twenty years, a Nazi occupied city for nine months and finally in June 1944 a city liberated by Allied Forces. Our walking tour of central Rome explains the historical events that took place in many familiar locations of the city and shows how often memorials to the era are to be found hidden in plain sight. We start our tour at Trajan's Column and quickly move to Piazza Venezia, the center stage of Fascist Italy where from his famous balcony, Mussolini would speak to thousands of followers in the square below. We move on to the Ancient Roman Forum where we can still see the impact that Mussolini's obsession with Ancient Rome had upon the city. We proceed to the Jewish Ghetto to talk about the history of the Jewish community in Rome and from there we move on through Piazza Navona to the Tiber River to talk about the Church and its position throughout the Fascist period and the war. Finally we recall the day in June 1944 when the Nazis fled the city and the US Fifth army entered the city to scenes of mass jubilation.
Please check-in at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours will depart promptly at the scheduled time, and no refunds will be given for late arrivals or missed tours.
Tours will proceed in all weather conditions, unless the site is closed by authorities for safety reasons. It is highly recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, hat and umbrella.
All tours operate within the current COVID-19 regulations set by the Italian Government.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to dress warmly in colder temperatures, and bring a cover for bare shoulders inside any churches in the warmer months.
The tour covers city pavements and historic streets—opt for sturdy footwear to stay comfortable throughout the 2.5 hours.
Walking through Rome’s central district can be hot, especially in summer—stay hydrated with your own bottle.
Meeting points can be busy; arriving 10 minutes before the start ensures you won’t miss important introductions.
Rome’s weather varies; bring sun protection or rain gear accordingly to stay comfortable while outdoors.
Rome was liberated by Allied forces in June 1944, ending four years of Fascist occupation and bombing threats during WWII.
Tour operators promote respectful engagement with historic sites and encourage minimizing their environmental footprint to preserve Rome’s cultural heritage.
Provides stability and comfort during urban walking over pavement and uneven surfaces.
Keeps you hydrated during warmer months on the tour.
summer specific
Protects against sun exposure in the open city streets.
summer specific
Useful when spring showers occur during your outdoor exploration.
spring specific