Free walking tours
in Italy

During the Counter-Reformation, art and architecture took on a new significance in Rome, becoming powerful instruments through which the Catholic Church could reaffirm its authority and communicate its teachings to the masses. But Rome’s artistic transformation was about more than religion alone: it was fuelled by powerful patrons, ambitious popes and wealthy families, whose influence and desire for prestige created opportunities for some of history’s greatest artistic minds. It was a moment when genius and power went hand in hand, as artists and architects were given the freedom, resources and commissions to push creative boundaries. Moving beyond the written word, their works were designed to inspire awe, stir emotion and make faith an immersive experience.

As the intense summer heat finally gives way to pleasantly cool evenings, October truly emerges as the ultimate month of festivals and outdoor events around the city. The crisp autumn air creates the perfect backdrop for Romans and visitors alike to gather, celebrate, and explore the Eternal City's historic open-air festivities on its many piazzas.

Discover Garbatella, Rome’s distinctive 1920s neighbourhood, where lush courtyards, picturesque architecture and village-like streets create a world away from the city’s well-trodden tourist routes. Explore the rich urban history and stories that have shaped Rome’s most atmospheric and distinctive neighbourhood.