Throughout history Rome has seen its fair share of tragedy and bloodshed. Beneath it’s polished marble facades lurk sinister tales of a gruesome past. If you’re a thrill seeker looking for a scare, or on the hunt to see your own ghostly spectre, check out these haunted places in Rome.
Castel Sant’ Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was constructed as a mausoleum intended for the Emperor Hadrian. If you visit today, you can still see the urns full of ashes belonging to Hadrian and his family, as well as the succeeding Emperors. Since Hadrain’s death, the mausoleum has seen time as a fortress and a castle, though today it is a museum. There has been a legend that the Archangel Gabriel was seen standing atop the roof of the castle: during a period of plague, Pope Gregory I stepped out of the castle to dissuade believers from worshipping a pagan idol, and upon his return, he spotted the Archangel Gabriel on the roof sheathing his blood-covered sword.
But the true grisly story is about Beatrice Centi. Daughter of a rich aristocrat, Beatrice was banished by her father to Castel Sant’Angelo at a young age. Relatives plotted the death of her father, and accosted him whilst he was visiting the castle, spearing him through the head and throwing him off the balcony. Beatrice and her family were tortured for information regarding her father’s death, and in the end the entire family was sentenced to death. They were beheaded at the bridge before Castel Sant’Angelo, known as Castel Sant’Angelo Bridge. Spooked visitors recall seeing the ghost of Beatrice standing by the bridge, mournfully holding her head in her hands. She is also said to tread the halls of the Castel Sant’ Angelo itself, so keep your wits about you during your visit.
Piazza Navona
One of the most famous squares in the heart of Rome, you’re bound to walk by Piazza Navona at least once during your stay in Rome. The wide, open square is nothing short of an architectural miracle. The Piazza Navona is a thriving hub of activity at any time of the day, with people crossing it to get to different streets, or sitting by the fountain to watch the world go by. From the outside looking in, you would never have suspected the bloody history lurking behind that marble exterior.
Valeria Massalina was the former empress of Rome, married to Emperor Claudius. She was known for being especially promiscous, having famously challenged a prostitute over who could have sex with more men in a single night. Valeria won the challenge, but she certainly didn’t win her husband’s heart for it; the Emperor had her executed for her salacious behaviour. Since then, passerbys have recounted being harrassed by the late empress, ever cheeky in death. She seems to favour handsome men, and many describe being pinched or jostled as they cross the square at night.
The Colosseum
The most iconic landmark of the city, a visit to the Colosseum might seem like it’s in the spirit of good fun. Looking at its ruinous facade, you might be stirred to feeling, remembering the glorious past of the Roman Empire, the heroic gladiators, the roaring crowds that once filled the stadium to watch show after show, battle after battle.
But it is not all about glory. The Colosseum saw its fair share of deaths as well, a given as it was the place of so many executions and clashes. It was not just gladiators that faced off, but also slaves, pitted against each other, desperate for a chance to live, and animals, tortured before the crowd as means of entertainment.
Numerous reports of paranormal sightings have surfaced. Some have heard screams, footsteps, weeping and garbled shouting, others claim to have witnessed people dressed in traditional Roman attire and feeling a sudden chill in the air, even in the height of summer. So whilst you’re on your tour around the Colosseum, keep your eyes peeled.
Sisto Bridge
Sisto Bridge, or Ponte Sisto, connects the Rione to Piazza Trilussa and was constructed from 1473 to 1479. Today, the pedestrian bridge is one of the easiest ways to reach the popular and colourful Campo de’ Fiori area, known for its exuberant nightlife and bustling market. The bridge has a pleasing, streamlined structure that the Romans have sought to preserve over the centuries, but all is not what it seems.
Olimpia Maidalchini was a woman that saw a rise in fortune when she married the brother of Pope Innocent X. However, in life she was said to be stingy and cruel; there were even rumours about her stealing gold right from under the Pope’s nose as he lay dying. She saw a fall from grace when her brother-in-law died and was replaced by a new Pope. The new Pope was all too aware of her wicked, money grabbing ways and had her exiled to a rural village, where she eventually died of the plague.
It is said that Olimpia, in her rage, still careens across Sisto Bridge in her black carriage today. Partygoers have had to make way for the dark vehicle, though it is up to you to believe if that is fact of fiction.
Tiber River
Ever wanted to meet an Emperor? You might just have the chance to meet the most famous of them all. Just below Sisto Bridge is Tiber River. The third longest river in Rome, it is famous for being one of Rome’s main waterways. In ancient times, it was known as the blonde or flavus, for the yellow-ish colour of the water, and behind this charming nickname is a dark and horrifying past.
Nero was an infamous figure in Roman history, and he was detested by most of his subjects. After all, there is a reason why he was the last of the emperors. He was initially buried along with his family on Pincian Hill, but things got really spooky when the trees around his grave became haunted, with reports of Nero’s spirit cavorting around with witches, crows, and demons frightening locals. In an effort to cleanse the area, Nero’s rotting body was dug up and subsequently dumped into Tiber River - an unfortunate end to the once extravagant emperor. A walk along the river bank might see you bumping into the angry ghost of Nero, out for revenge.
