Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified Writer
Rome, Italy
4.93(910)
20 Guests Max
2 hrs
Flexible TravelNestled between the Baroque churches and fountains of Piazza Navona to the north and the high Renaissance Piazza Farnese to the south, Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most scenic squares. By day, the piazza bustles with a daily farmers’ market that sets up every morning from Monday to Saturday. After dark, it becomes one of the trendiest hangout spots in Rome, drawing tourists and locals alike with its range of restaurants, cocktail bars, and terraces.
What the Italians call La Dolce Vita (“the sweet life”) can best be felt in Campo de’ Fiori around sunset. But its cool, convivial atmosphere masks a dark and disturbing history. For this square was once one of the main landmarks in medieval Rome where you really did not want to end up.
In ancient Rome, Campo de’ Fiori was unused space between the Theatre of Pompey and the flood-prone River Tiber, which cleaves the city in half. Little is known about this area from antiquity, but frequent flooding seems to have dissuaded the ancients from developing the area.
We first hear the name Campo de’ Fiori (meaning “field of flowers”) in the Middle Ages, suggesting that by this time this area was a meadow. Other theories suggest that it may have taken its name from Flora, a lover of the late-Republican general and Julius Caesar’s rival Pompey Magnus, whose theatre ran adjacent, or to a woman named Terenzia, who is said to have left this field to the Roman people and instituted floral games there.
In the thirteenth century, Rome’s powerful Orsini family established themselves on the south flank of this area. But until the fifteenth century, the square remained undeveloped. A place of worship would predate the piazza: the Church of Santa Brigida, which was built during the pontificate of Boniface IX (1389–1404) and now faces onto Piazza Farnese.
External view of the Church of Santa Brigida in Piazza Farnese
Campo de’ Fiori took on its current architectural form in the fifteenth century. In 1456, Cardinal Ludovico Trevisani paved the area under the patronage of the Borgia Pope Callixtus III as part of a project to improve the rione Parione (Rome by this time was divided into 13 rioni, or districts; today it is divided into 22). This renewal was both the result and cause of several important constructions in the surrounding area: not least the Orsini palace on Campo de' Fiori and Palazzo della Cancelleria, a building belonging to the Holy See which Vasari’s etching shows rising beyond the far right corner of the square.
Eighteenth-century etching of Palazzo della Cancelleria, which borders Campo de' Fiori, by Giuseppe Vasi
Many cardinals lived in grand residences on Campo de’ Fiori, its popularity owing to its proximity to the Vatican, and the square also featured on the route of every procession to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Holy Roman emperor Charles V even passed through it during his grand entrance into Rome in 1536. To accommodate these pilgrims and passers-by, many inns sprung up around this area. One, the Hotel Sole on Via del Biscione, still exists today, and many believe it was built using parts of the Theatre of Pompey.
Campo de’ Fiori served several purposes throughout the Middle Ages. Horses and donkeys grazed here for the Saturday and Monday horse and grain market, which took place here until the early nineteenth century, and the square was also on occasion used as a racetrack. But it was for something far more sinister that the square would come to be best known.
For centuries (until the late nineteenth century in fact), this square was the site of public executions. Here, on 17 February 1600, the philosopher Giordano Bruno was burnt alive for heresy, his works placed on the Holy See’s (Vatican’s) Index of Forbidden Books. His crime had been to challenge the Church’s orthodoxy that the Earth was at the centre of the universe. Even by the standards of the time, his execution was especially grim. Stripped and gagged so he could not speak, he was hung upside down and set on fire.
Learn more about Giordano Bruno on our Rome Ghost Tour
Giordano Bruno was not the only figure burned here for heresy. The Archbishop of Split, Croatia, Marco Antonio de Dominis was also publicly incinerated on a pyre, together with his works, in the middle of Campo de’ Fiori. The big difference was that de Dominis had been dead for three months, passing away during his confinement in Castel Sant’Angelo. By the order of the Inquisition, on December 21st, 1624, his corpse was pulled from his coffin, dragged through the streets of Rome, and burned in the centre of the square.
Statue of Giordano Bruno in Campo de’ Fiori
In July 1659, five women were sentenced to death for selling or administering the notorious arsenic-based poison Aqua Tofana. (The story of Giulia Tofana, the poisoner who freed more than 600 women from abusive relationships, becoming one of history’s earliest serial killers, is a fascinating read). These five women were executed in Campo de’ Fiori, but an inscription on their tombstone at San Giovanni Decollato proclaims their innocence:
"Domine, dum veneris indicare, noli nos condemnare."
(“Lord, when You come to judge, do not condemn us.”)
Public executions were not the only form of oppressive ‘entertainment’ to grace the square. On September 9, 1553, the first day of the Jewish New Year, the Holy See burned copies of the Jewish Talmud on a pyre created in the centre of the square. A bronze plaque (pictured below)) commemorates this event, quoting a Talmudic description of the martyrdom of Rabbi Hananiah ben Teradion, who was burned alive wrapped in a Torah scroll during the reign of the emperor Hadrian.
Plaque commemorating the burning of the Talmud in Campo de Fiori in 1553
The demolition of a block of housing in 1858 enlarged Campo de' Fiori, and since 1869 it has hosted a daily vegetable and fish market that was previously held in Piazza Navona. A replica of its ancient cattle fountain (one of more than 2,000 fountains in Rome) known as la Terrina or the "soupbowl" was installed in 1889 and is now used to keep cut flowers fresh. Its inscription: FA DEL BENE E LASSA DIRE ("Do good and let them talk") suits the gossipy nature of the marketplace.
Nowadays, Campo de' Fiori is a popular square for pre-dinner aperitivo, a nightlife hotspot, and meeting place for tourists and young people coming from all parts of the city.
Campo de' Fiori is about as centrally situated as it gets (hardly surprising given it was a place of public execution and so had to be easily accessible for all). It's just a five-minute walk from most of Rome's main monuments (the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Teatro di Torre Argentina) and a 10-minute walk from neighborhoods like Trastevere and the Vatican City.
Campo de’ Fiori is not connected to a metro line, so you'll either want to get the metro to Colosseo or Spagna and take a meandering walk through the historic center or get a bus or tram into the center (Piazza Venezia or Largo di Torre Argentina) and head here on foot.
Check out our guide to getting around Rome
Campo de’ Fiori hosts a daily open-air market, the largest and most central in Rome’s centre. It’s open from 7 am until 2 pm, with some stands staying open a little longer.
To be honest, today’s market mostly caters to tourists and passing trade. Many of its stalls have become gimmicky, or sell stuff you can find elsewhere for a fraction of the price. That said, it’s still worth visiting, especially for fresh produce and products if you want to cook back in the apartment. And if you get here in the morning, around 9 or 10 am, you can still feel a local buzz.
Fresh flowers at Campo de' Fiori farmers' market
Local produce at Campo de' Fiori farmers' market
In the center of Campo de' Fiori stands the statue of Giordano Bruno, the Dominican friar, philosopher and mathematician who was executed here in 1600. Immortalized in bronze by Ettore Ferrari in 1889, his dark and brooding figure stands facing the Vatican and embodies all the historic martyrs who were executed on this site for daring to defy the church.
By no coincidence is his statue the meeting point for our Rome Ghost Tour
Our favourite restaurant on Campo de’ Fiori is La Carbonara, a typical trattoria that has been going since 1912. It serves typical Roman fare, hearty pasta dishes and meaty mains, in an unassuming, homely atmosphere, and has al fresco seating options or two floors indoors.
Nearby Roscioli bakery does some of the best pizza bianca in Rome and is a must-visit if you’re in the area. For fans of Roman street food, try Dar Filettaro: a tiny hole-in-the-wall place that specialises in deep-fried baccalà (salted codfish)
Learn to make pizza on a cooking class in Rome!
For lovers of cured meats and cheeses, check out Norcineria Viola, which claims to have been open and under the management of the same family since 1890.
Those looking for an evening aperitivo or after dinner nightcap have plenty of choices around Campo de’ Fiori. The Drunken Sailor is one of many Irish pubs in Rome where you can grab a pint and watch a sports match on a big screen. We also like Taba Café: a more upmarket cocktail bar and a great place to grab an outdoor seat or sofa and watch the world go by.
Given its location between the river and the city centre, Campo de’ Fiori square has always remained a focus for commerce. Many of its arterial surrounding streets are named after trades, especially textiles, that sprung up around here. Among them are
Verified Writer
No headings found in content.
Rome, ItalyRome may be the world’s most beautiful city. But after dark a more sinister side emerges. Lurking around every corner are the shades of popes, emperors, and artists: their lives claimed by two-thousand years of tragedy and conspiracy. Our Private Ghost Tour of Rome is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that will haunt you forever.
Your Ghost Tour of Rome starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a square, where you’ll be regaled with the tale of Giordano Bruno. Born in the 16th century, Bruno was one of Rome’s greatest minds, but his discoveries led to him angering the Church. After learning about his grisly fate, you’ll begin exploring the city.
Venture through medieval backstreets with your storyteller guide; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where the cosmetics killed.
Your private tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions and leave you with an image that will chill you to your bones.
4.97(435)
Rome, ItalyJoin us on a journey through Roman history on our immersive Rome by Night Walking Tour. Your expert guide will share the city’s secrets, history, and fascinating tales—from antiquity through to the modern day, and at a pace to suit you.
Our tour starts in Rome’s most picturesque square, Piazza Navona, where the ancient Romans used to watch athletic contests (agones). Today’s piazza sits above the ancient stadium and boasts Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers as its centrepiece.
A five-minute walk from Piazza Navona takes us to the world-famous Pantheon. Constructed more than two-thousand years ago by the eccentric emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was consecrated as a monument to all the pagan gods (pan theos, in Greek meaning all the gods). This second-century temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Roman Empire and its unreinforced concrete dome still perplexes architects.
Our next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain. Immortalised by Anita Ekberg wading through its water in Federico Fellini’s iconic film La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain one of the most romantic spots in the Eternal City. Snap your photos of the monument in the moonlight, listen to your guide decipher its symbols, and toss a coin over your shoulder to guarantee your return to Rome.
We emerge from Rome’s winding backstreets onto Piazza Venezia. Stretching from the foot of the Capitoline Hill, against the backdrop of the Altar of the Fatherland, Piazza Venezia is Rome’s most recognisable square, and a repository of history involving figures from Napoleon to Mussolini.
Your guide will lead you down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the boulevard that cuts through ancient Rome, past Trajan’s Column and alongside the forums of Trajan, Augustus and Nerva. Your guide will feed your curiosity and nourish you with knowledge about ancient Rome and its empire as you make your way towards the most famous monument of all: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions that has survived from antiquity. As a colossal feat of architecture and engineering, its form has been replicated throughout the ages, manifested in stadiums and sports venues around the world. But while its form is familiar to us, the spectacles it accommodated are entirely alien, and remind us of the violent nature of Roman culture.
Group sizes are 15 people maximum.
Book your spot now to avoid missing out!
4.98(567)Rome, ItalyRome may well be the world’s most beautiful city, but after dark a more sinister side emerges. The ghosts of popes, emperors, and artists lurk on every corner, their lives claimed by tragedy and conspiracy across more than 2,000 years of history. Our Rome Ghost Tour is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that are sure to keep you up late at night.
Your Rome Ghost Tour starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a central square, where you’ll be treated to the tale of Giordano Bruno, one of Rome’s greatest minds who got on the wrong side of the church. After learning about his grisly end, you’ll begin to explore the city. Venture through medieval backstreets; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where cosmetics killed.
Your tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions. If you’re (un)lucky, you might even encounter a ghost or two.
No matter what, you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
4.93(910)
Rome, ItalyExplore the wonders of the Eternal City on our Wonders of Rome Walking Tour! As you get your bearings around Rome’s cobbled historic centre, your expert storyteller will bring Rome’s most must-see sites to life, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Take photos, make memories, and most importantly, get the most out of your time in the Italian capital!
Your guide will share the city’s secrets and narrate its story in a way that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – from explaining how the stunningly intricate churches and palaces were erected, to how the grand fountains were used to channel water throughout the city.
After meeting your guide at Piazza d'Aracoeli, we'll head to the Piazza Venezia, the crossroads between the ancient city and the modern capital and one of the most scenic squares in Italy! We'll then admire Trajan’s Column, a second-century AD monument which portrays the bloody victory of the emperor Trajan in his Dacian wars in Eastern Europe.
After taking a moment to marvel at the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, we’ll make our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the fountain, spend a moment soaking in its sounds and scenery (metaphorically, not literally!), and uncover the fascinating stories behind the fountain’s statues and symbols.
We’ll then make our way to the Pantheon where the spectacle of the 2000-year-old dome will blow you away. Marvel at one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient world, hear the story behind the man who built it, and discover the shocking architectural secret behind how the dome is (or isn’t) supported!
The square is situated near some of Rome’s best and most vibrant bars and restaurants and your guide will be happy to recommend where to go.
Our Rome Walking Tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You can expect this memorable experience to last about two hours, which leaves you with more than enough time to explore the city beyond. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Secure your spot today!
4.97(2485)
Rome, ItalyReady to time travel? Join our VIP small group Colosseum tour and step straight into Ancient Rome, no time machines (or long lines) required. With skip-the-line access and a savvy local guide, you’ll breeze past the queues and straight into the jaw-dropping world of emperors, gladiators, and ancient stories that will stick with you forever. Travelling with 6 or fewer people? We recommend upgrading to our semi-private tour of Ancient Rome for a more personalised experience, exploring at a more relaxed pace, and a more intimate experience with the people you care about most.
We’ll start our 3-hour adventure at the Colosseum, Rome’s most famous arena. Your guide will reveal the secrets behind this impressive monument and provide answers to your burning questions:
The answers might surprise you, but not more than the exclusive above-the-arena views that offer a new perspective of the Eternal City.
Next, we’ll ascend Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome and home to ancient palaces, royal intrigue, and some of the city's best panoramic views. This is where myths met marble, and emperors ruled in style.
Then it’s down into the Roman Forum, once the buzzing hub of Roman public life. We’ll wander through the ruins of ancient temples, triumphal arches, and the political stages that shaped an empire, all brought to life through the expert storytelling of your licensed guide.
With the comfort of a small group, a well-paced itinerary, and the best value for your money, this isn’t just a tour, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the rise (and fall) of Ancient Rome.
Best value. Zero stress. Epic stories. Spots fill fast, so grab yours and make your Roman holiday legendary.
4.96(2727)
Rome, ItalyFeed your curiosity while pleasing your palate on this indulgent Rome Food Tour! There's a reason this tour is multi-award-winning, and it's because we give you an all-access pass to savouring the Eternal City, stress-free. With everything pre-arranged, you’ll bypass the crowds; no queues, no guesswork—just authentic Roman cuisine. This fun (and filling) food tour gives you and a group of fellow foodies a taste of the city's culinary treasures, from local delicatessens and pizzerias to traditional trattorias and restaurants, you'll try all the authentic spots that the locals keep to themselves. Want a more intimate local experience with no strangers? We now offer an exclusive semi-private Rome food tour for groups of 6 or fewer.
Our Rome food tour takes place in Trastevere, Rome's most traditional medieval neighbourhood. While the area is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and world-class cuisine, just like the rest of Rome, this neighbourhood also has its fair share of tourist traps. Our team of expert foodies invite you, and your tastebuds, to try some of the finest flavours in the city, because holidays are too short to eat bad food, right?
During the experience, we will try at least 10 different tastings (vegetarian options available!) perfectly paired with a selection of local wines or non-alcoholic beverages for sober travellers. Try crispy Roman-style pizza by the slice, savoury suppli, and the best gelato in the city. Experience is more than just simply trying local cuisine, it's a glimpse inside the Roman kitchen—discovering the delicacies, the diet and the cultural dos and don’ts.
Not only will you experience the mouthwatering flavours of Rome, but you’ll also discover the process, meet the makers, and truly understand why Italian cuisine is considered the best in the world. So book your spot on our Rome Food Tour today and get ready for a true taste of the capital!
Please note: the places that we visit and the food that we try depend on the season.
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of its profits go towards reforestation and other sustainable projects. We also ask all of our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at one of the water fountains along our route to stay hydrated and help us reduce waste.
**Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate a gluten-free or vegan diet, but we hope to be able to in the future. While we can cater to vegetarians, we ask that you let us know about dietary requirements in advance so we can best suit your needs.**
4.96(3203)
Rome, ItalyOur Trastevere Food Tour just got an upgrade—smaller groups, bigger flavour, and a deeper connection to real Roman food culture. With only 6 people per group, you’ll enjoy personalised attention from your guide and a more intimate experience with fellow food lovers. You’ll savour the best of Trastevere at a relaxed pace, no rushing, no waiting—just excellent food, fast service, and meaningful stories behind every bite.
We’ve also upgraded the menu to include a second course with your choice of a hearty meat or veggie main, made from locally and sustainably sourced, pesticide-free ingredients. You’ll dine at intergenerational, family-run eateries that have been part of the Trastevere community for decades, places where recipes are passed down like heirlooms and “slow food” is a way of life. Oh, and did we mention that you'll also get limoncello? What could be better than that!
Ready for a delectable experience in Rome? Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of the city's trendiest (and tastiest!) neighbourhoods, at a perfect pace for everyone in your group.
Please note that the places we visit and the food we try depends on the season. We also have vegetarian options available at every stop!
This is a sustainable tour, meaning part of the profit goes towards reforestation
Summer’s coming! We ask our guests to bring a reusable water bottle to refill along our route to stay hydrated and also help us reduce waste.
4.94(491)
Rome, ItalyGo back in time on a once-in-a-lifetime, semi-private exploration of Ancient Rome’s most legendary landmarks—the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.
Designed for comfort and connection, this semi-private tour is limited to just 6 guests, giving you more one-on-one time with your expert guide, a relaxed pace, and the opportunity to dive deeper into the stories that fascinate you most.
With priority skip-the-line access, you’ll also glide past the crowds and straight into the heart of the Eternal City. Save time, avoid the stress, and make the most of every moment with the people who matter most to you.
Your 3-hour journey begins inside the iconic Colosseum. We’ll take in the breathtaking views from above the arena that most visitors miss. Here, you’ll stand where gladiators once battled and hear captivating tales of emperors, epic contests, and ancient innovation. With fewer people in your group, your guide can personalise the experience, answering your most burning questions and focusing on what interests your group.
Next, we’ll ascend the legendary Palatine Hill, the mythical birthplace of Rome and site of the Empire’s most extravagant palaces. Then, descend into the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of Roman public life. As you walk through the ruins of temples, arches, and political buildings, your guide will bring the ancient world to life.
This isn’t just a tour, it’s a meaningful journey into history, crafted for curious travellers seeking a deeper, more intimate Roman experience.
Prepare for a unique, unforgettable journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks with a small, friendly group that lets you explore at your own pace.
4.95(452)
Rome, ItalyThis isn’t your average elementary school pizza party; this is Rome, and we’re turning up the heat! Just ten minutes from the Colosseum, our high-energy cooking class is where pizzas fly and glasses are raised high.
In this dough-lightful evening experience, you’ll toss, top, and toast your way through a night of pizza-making, drink-sipping, and full-on Roman revelry. Ready to make your very own pizza? You’ll get a slice of pizza history from Rome and beyond, and a charismatic local chef will show you how to work the dough like a pro.
Roll, knead, and spread the dough before topping it off with everything your heart desires, except pineapple of course, we've got to stick to the rules. Then, as the dough rises, so does the mood because you'll get a crash course in Italian mixology. Sip on traditional Italian cocktails like Aperol and Hugo Spritz and socialise with your fellow chefs while your pizza bakes to Roman perfection.
Then, when everything is ready, it’s time to eat! You’ll dine like the Italians over a homemade pizza while continuing to sip until your heart's content. You know the saying, when life gives you lemons, we turn it into a toast.
Whether you’re coming with friends, your amore, or are ready to make new pizza-loving pals, this isn’t just dinner, it’s a hands-on, wine-filled, flour-dusted party you’ll never forget.
So come hungry, bring your appetite for fun, and let’s raise a glass (and a pizza peel) to the tastiest night of your Roman holiday!
4.33(234)
Rome, ItalyLearn to cook like an Italian in this small group pasta & tiramisù cooking class that gives you mastery over the country’s best-loved classics. Over the course of three-and-a-half-hour fun-filled hours, you’ll enjoy the expert guidance of our fluent professional chef and get hands on recreating real Roman recipes, culminating in a well-deserved dinner in which you feast on what you’ve made.
Situated in our centrally situated air-conditioned cooking school, your interactive class will give you the true sense of an Italian nonna’s loving kitchen. Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable English-speaking chef, our cooking masterclass is perfect for kids and adults, beginners and experts.
Savoiardi (ladyfingers) are gently dipped in rich coffee before being layered with dollops of delicately mixed eggs and panna (cream). Finished off with a sprinkle of cocoa, these delicious desserts are set aside to rest in time for an after-dinner energy boost. In fact, the espresso within a tiramisù is what gives it a name that translates literally as “pick me up”!
Rolling up our sleeves, here is where we channel our inner nonna. Mixing, kneading, rolling, and shaping our fresh pasta from scratch will work up a sweat but result in elegant end products. We will then combine these carefully crafted creations with the flavors of the season and locality; be it twangy cacio e pepe or creamy carbonara.
How else to conclude your cooking class than by fully indulging in your culinary creations! Celebrate your accomplishment with family-friendly company, a gorgeous setting, and a selection of red or white wines and soft drinks.
Whether returning a culinary maestro or a self-proclaimed novice, you’ll be sure to take the memories home with you and ruling your dinner parties back home!
4.96(1852)
Rome, ItalyDid someone say Spritz? Discover the flavours of Rome on our Spritz and Spaghetti Class. Our centrally located kitchen is where you’ll learn everything you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails, and perfect the art of making fresh pasta. This is the only cooking class of its kind in Rome – a perfect blend of food, friends, and tipsy fun. So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
Our team will welcome you and your small, intimate group with a mixology demo making Italy’s best-loved drink: Aperol Spritz. You’ll then get started on your hands-on pasta-making lesson led by a fun-loving, fluent professional chef, during which we’ll also be making two other drink.
Your professional chef will guide you every step of the way – from kneading the dough to cutting the pasta. You’ll also be making a creamy carbonara sauce to coat your fresh pasta (vegetarians can try out another Roman classic of cacio e pepe). Travelling is all about meeting new people. At the end of this cooking class, you’ll dine on what you’ve made in the fun, tipsy company of your new foodie friends.
Book now and start making memories.
4.95(3841)