Art and History Tours

Angels and Demons Tour

(106 reviews)

Follow the Path of the Illuminati

Tour features

Local Guide Certified Official Guide

Tour languages Italian, English, French

Duration 3 hours

Tour size Private

Accessibility Accessible to wheelchairs

Itinerary

1st Stop
St. Maria degli Angeli, transformed by Michelangelo from the Roman baths of Emperor Diocletian, is a stunning square in Rome. It stands as a testament to its historical significance and architectural beauty.
2nd Stop
The guide will lead you to St. Maria della Vittoria, where Bernini's masterpiece, the Ecstasy of St. Theresa, is housed in a beautifully adorned chapel. Historically, this artwork was considered one of the Four Altars of Science, representing Fire.
3rd Stop
The tour proceeds past the Ancient City Walls towards Piazza del Popolo, the historic entrance to Rome from the North. This magnificent square showcases one of Rome's ancient obelisks and houses the renowned Church of St. Maria del Popolo, adorned with masterpieces by Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio. Notably, it is also home to the Second Altar of Science, dedicated to Earth.
4th Stop
The route we will take leads through a narrow passageway linking the Popes' palace to Castle Sant'Angelo, originally the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and later converted into a fortress in the 15th century, serving as a prison. In the book, it was depicted as the base of the Illuminati.
5th Stop
Explore Rome by strolling across the Bridge of Angels, indulging in delicious gelato at a top parlor, and visiting the historic, once Emperor Domitian's Ancient Stadium. Learn about the tragic history at the Four Rivers' Fountain and discover the significance of water at the third Altar of Science.
6th Stop
A short walk from the Baths of Nero leads to the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient Roman temple honoring all gods. Converted into a Catholic Church in 608, it now serves as the final resting place for notable Italians like King Victor Emmanuel, Queen Margherita, and artist Raphael.

Tour details

Full description

Experience an exciting blend of history, art, and fiction on our Angels and Demons Tour, inspired by Dan Brown's book. Beyond the locations featured in the novel, this tour takes you to some of Rome's most iconic and lesser-known treasures, offering a fantastic way to explore the Eternal City.

Start at Piazza della Repubblica, built over the ancient Baths of Diocletian. Visit St. Maria degli Angeli, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, before heading to St. Maria della Vittoria, home to Bernini's breathtaking Ecstasy of St. Theresa, representing the Altar of Fire in the novel.

Travel along the Ancient City Walls to Piazza del Popolo, once Rome’s northern gateway. Here, you'll find St. Maria del Popolo, featuring works by Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio, and the Altar of Earth.

Next, visit St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, the heart of Catholicism and the Altar of Air, before following the secret papal passage to Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian's tomb and later the Illuminati's base in the story.

Walk across the Bridge of Angels, enjoy a stop for gelato, and arrive at Piazza Navona, the site of Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain and the Altar of Water. End your journey at the Pantheon, Rome’s best-preserved ancient temple, now a church housing the tombs of Raphael and Italy’s royalty.

Throughout this fascinating tour, uncover the truths and myths behind the novel while exploring some of Rome’s most spectacular landmarks!