Circus Maximus and Velabrum

Circus Maximus and Velabrum

€180

per person

Circus Maximus and Velabrum: in the footsteps of Hercules 

According to the legend, during his journeys around the Mediterrean Sea, the Greek demigod Hercules landed in a wild land, a swampy region called Velabrum in proximity to the Tiber River (in the area of the future Rome).
In this walking tour we’ll follow the footsteps of Hercules, the first tourist in Rome.
we’ll start from the Circus Maximus, the biggest circus of the Ancient Rome.
Admiring the shrine of Hercules Victor (the so-called temple of Vesta), the Temple of Portunus and the Shrines of Forum Olitorio, we’ll talk about local gods and goddesses and their strange rituals.
We’ll visit the narrow undergrounds underneath the Basilica of San Nicola In carcere and the Ara (altar) of Hercules in Santa Maria of Cosmedin.
if you are brave enought…we can line to put our hand in the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of truth): according to a legend, this marble disc is a “lie-detector”.
The big face is a monster ready to chop your hand off, if you’re a liar..

3 hours
archaeological tour
city walking tour
english
off the beaten path
outdoor
  • Departure
    At the Circo Massimo subway exit

From Our Gallery

1

Circus Maximus

2

Shrines of Forum Olitorium

3

Bocca della Verità (Santa Maria of Cosmedin)

According to the legend, during his journeys around the Mediterrean Sea, the Greek demigod Hercules landed in a wild land, a swampy region called Velabrum in proximity to the Tiber River (in the area of the future Rome). In this walking tour we'll follow the footsteps of Hercules, the first tourist in Rome. we'll start from the Circus Maximus, the biggest circus of the Ancient Rome. Admiring the shrine of Hercules Victor (the so-called temple of Vesta), the Temple of Portunus and the Shrines of Forum Olitorio, we'll talk about local gods and goddesses and their strange rituals. We'll visit the narrow undergrounds underneath the Basilica of San Nicola In carcere and the Ara (altar) of Hercules in Santa Maria of Cosmedin. if you are brave enought...we can line to put our hand in the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of truth): according to a legend, this marble disc is a "lie-detector". The big face is a monster ready to chop your hand off, if you're a liar..