Rome: Vatican & Trastevere Self Guided Walking Tour

Step onto Ponte Sisto, a Renaissance marvel built by Pope Sixtus IV. Learn about its flood-prevention oculus and its history as a safe passage for pilgrims across the timeless Tiber River.

Experience Piazza Trilussa, a vibrant hub named after a famous Roman poet. Discover the history of the Fontana di Ponte Sisto, a 17th-century fountain moved stone by stone to its current home.

Take a stroll along the Tiber, Rome's ancient lifeline. On your left, discover Villa Farnesina, a stunning Renaissance villa built for a wealthy banker and decorated with frescoes by the great artist Raphael.

Explore Palazzo Corsini, a majestic palace once home to Queen Christina of Sweden. Today, it houses a national art gallery and Italy's oldest scientific academy.

Pass through Porta Settimiana, an ancient Roman gate built by an emperor. Legend says Raphael’s muse, La Fornarina, lived right beside it.

Wander the quiet charm of Vicolo della Scala in Trastevere. Named for a healing miracle, this alley offers a perfectly preserved look into ancient Rome's history.

Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere holds a majestic ancient basilica with a golden mosaic and the Palazzo San Callisto, a quiet piece of "extraterritorial" Vatican land.

Go up the slope of Via Luigi Masi and turn right onto Via Goffredo Mameli. Take a U-turn onto Via Garibaldi and climb the gated stairs to the next stop on your journey!

Discover Bramante's Tempietto, a perfect Renaissance temple marking the site of St. Peter's crucifixion. This small masterpiece inspired the great St. Peter’s Basilica.

Admire Il Fontanone, a magnificent 17th-century fountain. It restored a Roman aqueduct, inspired the Trevi Fountain, and even starred in the film 'La Grande Bellezza'!

From Gianicolo Hill, see the statue of hero Giuseppe Garibaldi and panoramic views of Rome. Don’t miss the daily noon cannon blast—a tradition since 1847!

As you walk to the Vatican, discover its epic history: built on St. Peter's tomb, this tiny country is home to a magnificent basilica designed by Michelangelo.

The Vatican and the Renaissance are inseparable partners. Popes hired masters like Michelangelo to create masterpieces, forever blending faith and human genius.

Enter St. Peter’s Square, Bernini’s Baroque masterpiece. This grand plaza, with its ancient obelisk and sweeping colonnade, welcomes all to the heart of the Vatican.! 

Experience the heart of the Vatican! This tour highlights Saint Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of faith and art, and the vast Vatican Museums, home to the iconic Sistine Chapel.