Rome Memories of World War II Tour
Focus
What makes this tour Special
What to Expect
PRIVATE TOUR
Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only
DURATION
3.5 hours
START TIME
09:00 - 14:00
KID FRIENDLY
This tour is suitable for kids of all ages
ENTRANCE TICKETS
Entrance tickets are included! Enjoy your tour!
- Blue Badge Official Guide
- Private van at disposal for the entire duration of the tour
- Reservation fees
- Extras
- Gratuities
Sites you’ll visit
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Vittoriano
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Jewish Ghetto
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Via Rasella
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Liberation of Rome Museum
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Ardeatine Caves
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Some say Piazza Venezia is the center of Rome, and it is hard to disagree. Standing in this are will give you several choices for what to discover next! The square itself is home to the famous "Big white building" which is an the National Memorial that allows you great views of Rome. Within the square you can also see Trajan's Column and even the Colosseum in the distance!
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One of the biggest and most breathtaking monuments you'll come across while walking in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome is the majestic ruins of Octavia’s Porticus. Constructed two thousand years ago under the order of Augustus, in honor of his sister Octavia, was a monumental marble area surrounded by columns and embellished by two temples dedicated to Juno and Jupiter. The frescos that are still visible today were realized centuries later, showing us how this area was continuously used over the centuries.
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A street made famous for the revolution against the Nazi ruling of Rome during the Second World War. This is the street where on March 23rd, 1944, Italians made an ambush on Nazi SS police troops, killing 28 people. The following day, Nazi forces retaliated by killing 335 Italians at the Ardeatine caves.
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A place that holds an emotional story within its walls during the German invasion of Italy. The building was used as the SS torture base to punish members of the Italian Resistance. Nowadays there are still visible messages from the inmates on the cell walls written in pencil, recordings of the horrible acts that took place here during the 1940's and the overall persecution of Jewish people with newspaper copies and posters that highlight the discrimination. The Liberation of Rome museum also explains the German SS retreat from Rome in mid 1944 with the help of foreign forces.
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The Fosse Ardeatine is a significant historical site located in Rome. It is a series of caves on the outskirts of the city that gained infamy during World War II. In March 1944, after a deadly attack by Italian partisans on German soldiers, the Nazis ordered the execution of 335 Italian civilians, including men, women, and children, as a reprisal. These innocent victims were rounded up, transported to the Fosse Ardeatine, and then brutally killed by being shot in the back of the head. The bodies were later buried in the caves. The massacre at Fosse Ardeatine serves as a poignant symbol of the horrors of war and the brutality of the Nazi regime. Today, the Fosse Ardeatine is a memorial and a place of remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects to the victims and learn about this tragic chapter in history. It stands as a somber reminder of the importance of preserving peace and remembering the sacrifices made during times of conflict.
Tour description
You will start your tour at Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini’s speeches took place from the balcony of Palazzo Venezia during the fascist era (1922-1943). In the same square, the Victor Emmanuel Monument (also nicknamed the Wedding Cake) was called “the Piano” during those decades, as the Fascist soldiers, with their black uniforms, used to stand on the white marble steps for military parades, making it look similar to a piano keyboard from a certain distance.
In a few minutes ride, you will reach the boundaries of the old Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555, which, on October 16th, 1943, became the theatre of one of the worst days in history, when more than a thousand people were deported to Auschwitz concentration camp. Only 16 of them returned to Rome at the end of the war.
You'll continue your tour with a quick stop at Via Rasella, where on March 23rd, 1944, Italian Partisans made an ambush on a column of Nazi SS troops, killing 28 policemen.
The following day, the Nazis ordered the execution of 335 Italian civilians, including men, women, and children, as a reprisal.
These innocent victims were rounded up, transported to the Fosse Ardeatine, and then brutally killed by being shot in the back of the head. The bodies were later buried in the caves.
Today, the Fosse Ardeatine is a memorial and a place of remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects to the victims and learn about this tragic chapter in history.
Finally, you'll reach Via Tasso 145, where the headquarters of the Nazi Security Police was located during the 9 months of Nazi occupation in Rome. It is now home to the Museum of the Liberation of Rome.
Useful information
Full Refund Cancellation Policy
The policies are included and non-optional.
- Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at info@eyesofrome.com.
- Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here. To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.
