Following the footsteps of Robert Langdon in Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons” takes you through some of Rome’s most stunning sites, letting you soak in the city’s intrigue and mystery. Wandering through Rome’s charming cobblestone streets, you’ll see world-famous streets and piazzas.
Many tour guides offer this experience, making it a great way to explore Rome. Even if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, the guides provide plenty of information to make the tour enjoyable for everyone. However, if you prefer a more adventurous and budget-friendly approach, you can easily do the tour yourself. You’ll only need to cover the entrance fees for Castel Sant’Angelo, the Sistine Chapel (if you opt for the extended tour), and a bit of Italian ice cream to keep you energized.
One of the unique highlights is the Pantheon, which features a giant hole in the dome called the “oculus.” Initially, this oculus served as a chimney for smoke from ceremonial fires. In the story, this oculus confuses the main character, Robert Langdon, who mistakes it for the “demon’s hole.” Despite not resembling the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Pantheon is just as ancient, built around 125 A.D. and continuously used since. Located between Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon is open daily, except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1, and admission is free.
Next up is the Santa Maria del Popolo church, which may appear modest outside but houses incredible artworks inside, such as paintings by Caravaggio and frescoes by Pinturicchio. Even the dome features mosaics by Raphael. In the story, this church has a demon hole underground, where Langdon finds a cardinal with a branding mark “Earth” on his chest. The facade, designed by Bernini, also houses one of his sculptures inside, which serves as a clue pointing to St. Peter’s Square. Santa Maria del Popolo is open daily, with limited hours on Sundays, and is free to visit.
The tour also doubles as a “Bernini architecture tour,” highlighting his hidden Illuminati artwork designed to guide followers through the city. St. Peter’s Square, created by Bernini in the 17th century, showcases Egyptian obelisks and wind symbols. Here, Langdon finds the next clue, leading him to the Santa Maria della Vittoria church. Situated in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is always open and free to visit.
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a small but lavish church, housing Bernini’s “Ecstasy of St. Teresa,” a piece interpreted both as religious and erotic. The church is near Termini train station, open daily with a mid-afternoon closure, and free to enter. Here, the story’s theme, “Fire,” unfolds as Langdon narrowly escapes an assassin.
The next stop, Piazza Navona, is a long oval-shaped square built on the site of an ancient Roman circus. Its centerpiece, Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers,” features an old Egyptian obelisk. In the story, Langdon finds a cardinal nearly drowning here on the final altar of science, representing the element “Water.” Piazza Navona, located in central Rome, is always open and free.
The Castel Sant’Angelo is another fascinating site, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum. Over centuries, it has served various purposes, including a castle, chapel, papal residence, prison, and now a museum. In “Angels & Demons,” it’s the Illuminati lair, and the secret passage “Passetto di Borgo” leads from here to the Vatican. Langdon and Vittoria use this passage to prevent an anti-matter bomb from exploding. Tours of the “Passetto di Borgo” are exclusive, held only in summer, and require advance booking.
Finally, St. Peter’s Basilica is significant in both the story and real life. The hero discovers the conspiracy’s mastermind here and the hiding place of anti-matter. The basilica is said to house St. Peter’s remains beneath its main altar. The exclusive Scavi Tour allows visitors to see these ancient burials, with just 250 people allowed daily. Visiting the basilica is easier, as it’s free, but security is tight and dress code enforced. It’s open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, with additional visits to the Vatican Museums or a dome climb highly recommended, even though those activities carry a small fee.
To truly experience Rome, spend more than just a week. Medium-term rentals are highly recommended for getting the most out of your stay in the Eternal City.
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