Rome WW2 Tour

ROME WW2 TOUR

Join us on this immersive journey to discover Rome’s wartime past and honor the memories of those who lived through its darkest days.

WW2 Tour in Rome

WWII Tour in Rome: A Journey Through History

Introduction

From September 1943 to June 1944, Rome endured one of the darkest periods of its history under Nazi occupation. Following the armistice of 8th September 1943, the German army swiftly took control of the city, facing little resistance. The Gestapo, along with SS troops led by Herbert Kappler, imposed a brutal regime of repression, targeting civilians, partisans, and the Jewish community. One of the most tragic episodes occurred on 16th October 1943, when over 1,000 Roman Jews, including women and children, were arrested and deported to Auschwitz. Only 16 survived, among them Settimia Spizzichino, a symbol of resilience who later dedicated her life to sharing her testimony.

The city also bore witness to the suffering of political prisoners at Via Tasso, where the Museum of the Historical Liberation of Rome now stands. The infamous Fosse Ardeatine massacre on 24th March 1944, where 335 Italians were executed in reprisal for a partisan attack in Via Rasella, remains one of the most heinous Nazi crimes in Italy. After months of oppression and fear, the liberation of Rome finally arrived on 4th June 1944, when American troops of the 5th Army entered the city, marking the end of Nazi rule and bringing immense relief to its citizens.

This tour will guide you through the key sites of this harrowing yet heroic period, allowing you to step into the past and honor those who fought and suffered.

Tour Itinerary

EUR District

Our journey begins in the EUR district, a strikingly different area from the rest of Rome. Conceived by Mussolini as a model of fascist architecture for the planned 1942 Universal Exposition, EUR remains an emblem of the regime’s ambitions. Today, it serves as a reminder of Italy’s fascist past and its transformation in the post-war era.

Fosse Ardeatine

Next, we pay our respects at the Ardeatine Caves, where 335 innocent civilians were brutally executed by the Nazis as a reprisal for the partisan attack on Via Rasella. On 23rd March 1944, partisans of the GAP (Gruppi di Azione Patriottica) carried out an ambush on a Nazi police battalion, killing 33 soldiers. In response, Hitler ordered immediate retaliation, leading to the arrest and execution of 335 Italian civilians, political prisoners, and Jews. The victims were taken to the caves, where they were shot in the back of the head in groups of five to ensure they fell neatly into the pre-dug mass graves.

One of the key figures behind the massacre was SS officer Erich Priebke, who personally oversaw and participated in the executions. After the war, Priebke managed to escape to Argentina, where he lived for decades before being extradited to Italy in the 1990s. Tried for war crimes, he was sentenced to life imprisonment but remained under house arrest due to his advanced age. His lack of remorse and controversial statements further deepened the wounds left by the massacre.

Today, the Fosse Ardeatine is a national memorial and mausoleum, preserving the memory of those who perished. Each victim has a marked grave, and the site remains a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi occupation.

Via Rasella

We then visit Via Rasella, where on 23rd March 1944, partisans of the GAP carried out an ambush on a Nazi police battalion, killing 33 soldiers. This act of resistance provoked the ruthless Nazi retaliation at the Fosse Ardeatine, demonstrating the high cost of defying the occupation.

Museum of the Historical Liberation of Rome (Via Tasso)

Our tour continues at the Museum of the Historical Liberation of Rome, located in the former SS headquarters on Via Tasso. This building once held prisoners accused of resistance activities, many of whom were tortured and later executed. The museum preserves their memory through photographs, personal letters, and restored prison cells, offering a powerful testament to their sacrifice.

Jewish Ghetto

One of the most poignant stops is the Jewish Ghetto, where the tragedy of 16th October 1943 unfolded. The Nazis, with the complicity of the fascist regime, rounded up over 1,000 Jewish residents for deportation to Auschwitz. The ghetto today stands as a vibrant yet solemn place of remembrance, with plaques and memorials dedicated to those who perished.

Palazzo Venezia & Mussolini’s Office

We conclude our tour at Palazzo Venezia, the headquarters of Mussolini’s fascist government. It was from its iconic balcony that Mussolini delivered fiery speeches to the masses. If available, we will visit his former office, where key decisions that shaped Italy’s wartime history were made.

Personalized WWII Tour

We offer fully customized itineraries based on your interests and available time. Whether you wish to focus on specific events, family history, or additional locations, we will tailor the experience to meet your needs.

Tour Details

  • Duration: Full-day private tour (approx. 7 hours)

  • Start Time: 9:45 AM

  • Pick-Up: From your hotel or an agreed meeting point

  • Included: WWII specialist guide, hotel transfers (if required), entrance tickets, food tastings, and drinks

For further information and pricing, please contact: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com or Whatsapp +39 338 2458831