
Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 46 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour worth booking?
Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour is a 2-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $52 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 46 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (46)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $52 per person
Discover the dark events and secrets that made the history of Rome. Get exclusive access to a secret underground crypt of the confraternity of Death, which has been closed for decades! You'll learn about the REAL dark events that shaped the city of Rome the way we see it today. Public executions, legendary deaths, corrupted popes.. and a mysterious fraternity taking care of the dead bodies found in the streets. Not just a bunch of silly ghost stories, but real history! All this while walking through the backstreets and little alleys of the historical center of Rome, after the busy tourist hours. We'll find ourselves in front of a church with skulls on its facade. We'll knock at the door and the door will open. The nun of the fraternity will let us underground the church, in the crypt. Chandeliers made of real bones, the skulls of the brothers and sisters, with their names carved on their foreheads. After this tour you'll see things from a different perspective.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the dark events and secrets that made the history of Rome. Get exclusive access to a secret underground crypt of the confraternity of Death, which has been closed for decades! You'll learn about the REAL dark events that shaped the city of Rome the way we see it today. Public executions, legendary deaths, corrupted popes.. and a mysterious fraternity taking care of the dead bodies found in the streets. Not just a bunch of silly ghost stories, but real history! All this while walking through the backstreets and little alleys of the historical center of Rome, after the busy tourist hours. We'll find ourselves in front of a church with skulls on its facade. We'll knock at the door and the door will open. The nun of the fraternity will let us underground the church, in the crypt. Chandeliers made of real bones, the skulls of the brothers and sisters, with their names carved on their foreheads. After this tour you'll see things from a different perspective.
What's included
Included
- Genuinely Small Group of max 12 people, Guaranteed (personal, relaxed, and never rushed)
- Direct Contact via Phone or Whatsapp for any questions you may have about the tour
- Exclusive Access to the Underground Bones Crypt - the nuns will open the door just for you!
- If you aren't happy with this tour, just text us and we'll refund you your full purchase price
- Knowledgeable and friendly local guide
- Also Suitable for Families and Kids
Not included
- Private transportation
- Food and drink
What you'll see and do
Piazza Trilussa
This is where your guide will meet you.
Pass by without stopping
Ponte Sisto
This bridge is where you'll meet the first ghost of the tour. She was a very ambitious woman in life. Locals have seen her appearing on this bridge multiple times, while she ran away with her money..
20 minutes here
Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte
Have you noticed the skulls on the facade? This is the church of the Confraternity of Death, a fraternity that still exists today. This church has been closed for over a decade, but we'll make appointment with the nun of the fraternity. She'll open the door of the church and its crypt just for us. Little spoiler: in the crypt you'll find chandeliers entirely made of human bones!
30 minutes here · Admission included
Piazza Farnese
We'll see (from outside) a haunted palace. Here we'll also learn the ghost story of a pope and his scandals. His ghost has appeared multiple times in this very square
20 minutes here
Campo De' Fiori
This lively and cheerful place used to be the location of public executions. Here the heretics were burnt alive in front of everyone. That is why there is a statue in the center of the square frowning at a specific direction..
20 minutes here
Piazza Navona
This beautiful piazza is home to many terrible stories. Including the innkeeper that talked too much. Can you spot his head?
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
We'll meet on the side of the square, by the monument to Trilussa. Your guide will be holding a sign with the company name, ready to greet you. You don’t need to worry about a thing, let us take care of the rest.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Dark side of Rome - no Crypt
Dark Side with Crypt Entry
Exclusive Crypt Entry: special access to Underground Bones Crypt - the nuns will open the door just for you!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Live Virtual Guide
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Conveniently located in central Rome, this tour is easy to reach from landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, and leaves you perfectly placed to continue exploring the city afterwards
- This tour is also suitable for children
- If you reserve the Crypt Entry option: please remember that during this experience you will also visit holy areas and clothing must be appropriate for the visit. Please wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 45 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
45 verified traveler reviews for Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dark Side of Rome with Bright guide:)
Very interesting, different point of view. And Federica was so bright and cheerful, and friendly. Great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your beautiful words! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Federica 😊
via Tripadvisor
Great intro to Rome
This was the first activity we did after arriving in Rome. It was a good choice. It took us thru about three key neighborhoods and gave the kids a great (and entertaining) intro to the city and its history.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so happy you and the kids enjoyed this tour with us ☺️🙌
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
What a great experience. Very friendly guide with lots of interesting information. I would highly recommend
Response from the operator: Thank you very much! We're super happy you enjoyed the Dark Side of Rome with us 😊
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
We really enjoyed our tour. Our guide was very knowledgable and we enjoyed hearing about the history of the places we visited. The tour group was small and it felt much more personal. This was our second tour with the company and we would definitely book again on our next visit.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such kind words 😊 We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with us!
via Tripadvisor
Dark Side tour!
Oh wow. What a great experience. If you can book the Crypt option, DO IT. And Sofia was an AMAZING tour leader! Her knowledge and also sense of humor were awesome. We highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Sofia! 😊🙌
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $52 to $59
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Live Virtual Guide, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.9.
See everything Live Virtual Guide runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $52 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 46 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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Included: Genuinely Small Group of max 12 people, Guaranteed (personal, relaxed, and never rushed); Direct Contact via Phone or Whatsapp for any questions you may have about the tour; Exclusive Access to the Underground Bones Crypt - the nuns will open the door just for you; If you aren't happy with this tour, just text us and we'll refund you your full purchase p; and Knowledgeable and friendly local guide. Not included: Private transportation; and Food and drink. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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We'll meet on the side of the square, by the monument to Trilussa. Your guide will be holding a sign with the company name, ready to greet you. You don’t need to worry about a thing, let us take care of the rest. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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Across 46 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Scandals and Crypts - Small Group Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Dark side of Rome - no Crypt, Dark Side with Crypt Entry. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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