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Echoes of Empire: Rome's Hidden Lanes & Ancient Tales, Rome & Lazio

Echoes of Empire: Rome's Hidden Lanes & Ancient Tales

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Flat and easy6 places along the way

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This is a walk through quieter corners of ancient Rome, away from the crowds. It takes you through hidden courtyards and along cobbled lanes once walked by emperors and craftsmen, with stops at talking statues and the local legends attached to them, revealing the history and folklore of the Eternal City.

Along the way

1
Piazza Navona (Fountain of Four Rivers)Begin your journey in this magnificent Baroque square, built upon the ruins of Emperor Domitian's 1st-century stadium.
2
Santa Maria della PaceTucked away on a quiet lane, this Renaissance church boasts a stunning Raphael fresco and a beautiful cloister designed by Bramante.
3
Via del Governo Vecchio (Historic Passageway)Wander down this picturesque street, a quintessential Roman passageway lined with historic palazzi, artisan shops, and ancient facades.
4
Piazza di Pasquino (The Talking Statue)Encounter Pasquino, Rome's most famous "talking statue," an ancient Roman bust upon which citizens posted satirical verses and criticisms of authority.
5
PantheonMarvel at the awe-inspiring Pantheon, a perfectly preserved ancient Roman temple now a church, with its colossal dome and oculus.
6
Piazza della Minerva (Bernini's Elephant)Discover this charming square dominated by Bernini's unique elephant obelisk, marking the site of an ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to Isis, later Minerva.

The route

Distance1.9 km
Walking≈ 25 min
Running≈ 11 min
Climb↑ 0 m
RouteCircular

A 1.9 km circular route from Rome to walk, run or cycle, with 0 m of climbing.

Elevation↑ 0 m in total

Before you go

StartPiazza Navona (Fountain of Four Rivers), Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyOpen the start in Maps →
FinishBack where you started
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