Walks of Italy

03/05/2025

You might be surprised to learn that Michelangelo in fact ✨didn’t✨ paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling lying down, and you might be even more surprised to learn that he had no idea how to fresco when he started it!

It gets better—read the rest 👇🏻

Did any of these surprise you?

This might surprise you, but actually Michelangelo had no idea how to fresco when he started the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

He was a sculptor, not a painter—and definitely not a ceiling guy. (Also, no… he didn’t lie down to paint it!)

He left behind a sonnet revealing his real process—and today, you can still see clues in the way it was restored.

Speaking of ceilings and secrets…The Sistine Chapel has hosted just 25 conclaves, and there’s a new one happening right now following the passing of Pope Francis.

Conclave literally means "with key"—because the cardinals are locked in to choose the next pope.

And that papal symbol? The keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. A nod to Saint Peter—first pope, keeper of the keys, and Michelangelo’s ultimate muse.

Join us on a Walks tour—and uncover the history hiding in plain sight. www.takewalks.com

sistine chapel tour, papal conclave 2025, michelangelo facts, walks tours

01/05/2025

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲? 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

The biggest mistake most travelers make? Trying to see too much in too little time. Rushing from Rome to Venice to Florence to Milan in one week may sound exciting—but it usually ends in burnout, long train rides, and barely-there memories.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬: 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝.

Whether you’ve got 5 days or 2 weeks, your trip will be so much better if you slow down and savor each city or region.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you start planning:

𝟓 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬? Stick to one city. Rome, Florence, or Venice is more than enough when explored deeply.

𝟕–𝟏𝟎 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬? Choose 2–3 cities and take the train between them.

𝟐 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬? Go big! Hit the classics (Rome, Florence, Venice,
Milan), or dive into a region like Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩? Think food-focused, history-based, or even Caravaggio trail itineraries.

💡📍

-Pro tip: Avoid travel stress by dedicating 2–4 days per stop and booking high-speed train tickets in advance.

-Want to make the most of your time in Italy. Book an expert-led tour for seamless logistics and zero guesswork: https://takewalks.co/42XT640

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27/04/2025

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐄/𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐘? 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒:

⭐ 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀’ 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 | On Saturday, April 26, over 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his outdoor funeral mass before the Pope's private burial.

⭐ 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱? | He asked for a simple burial at
Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, the first pope buried outside the Vatican in over 100 years.

⭐ 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀’𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗯? | Santa Maria Maggiore is open to the public starting April 27 for visitors to pay their respects.

⭐ 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝟵 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 | The Novemdiales is a nine-day period of prayers and masses to honor a pope after his death. It started with the Pope’s funeral.

⭐ 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝟵 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 | Daily masses led by different groups connected to the Pope will take place during the remaining days. True to his values, Pope Francis requested less opulence during the mourning and funeral rites, focusing instead on service and prayer.

⭐ 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 | Vatican Museums &
St. Peter’s Basilica: Open / Sistine Chapel: Closed (April 28–mid-May)

⭐ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁? | After mourning ends, the Conclave will meet to begin the process of electing a new pope.

⭐ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲? | There’s no set timeline, but once the Conclave begins, a new pope is usually elected within a few days.

The cardinals vote up to four times a day until someone receives a two-thirds majority. (Sometimes it's very fast. John Paul I was elected in one day, and Pope Francis just a bit longer than that.)

⭐ 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲/𝗩𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 | Between the Jubilee celebrations and papal events, Rome is busier than ever. Tours are the fastest and best way to beat the crowds and secure your entry. https://takewalks.co/4hTWTVR

⭐ 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱? | Buses & trains are running as usual. However, expect larger crowds in Rome as mourners arrive to pay their respects, in tandem with Jubilee events/crowds.

⭐ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 | As always, if your tour is affected by closures or other events, our team will contact you directly with updates.

⭐ 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 | A humble servant, a voice for the poor, and a global symbol of hope, Pope Francis’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world. ❤️

PC: Matthias Kabel

23/04/2025

𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 ➡️

Following the passing of Pope Francis, here’s what travelers should know about visiting the Vatican during the funeral and mourning period:

📍 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬: 𝐒𝐚𝐭., 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟔
The official funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square and is open to the public. Expect large crowds and high security.
Watch live via major news outlets or the Vatican’s official YouTube channel.

Following the funeral, the casket will be transferred to Santa Maria Maggiore, in accordance with the Pope’s burial wishes.

📍 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐬
Out of respect for the funeral, the Vatican Museums will be closed on Saturday, April 26. They will remain open on other days.

📍 𝐋𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑–𝟐𝟓
From Wednesday, April 23 through Friday, April 25, the Pope’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. The public are welcome to pay their respects during the following hours:

-Wednesday: 11:00 AM – Midnight
-Thursday: 7:00 AM – Midnight
-Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟑–𝟐𝟔
St. Peter’s Basilica will not be included in our tours from Tuesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 26.

If your tour is affected, you will receive direct communication from our team with options or modifications.

📍 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞: 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟖
The Papal Conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on Monday, April 28 in the Sistine Chapel. As a result:

The Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public starting April 28 until the election concludes. Tours that typically end with direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica will instead feature a longer visit to the Vatican Museums.

📍 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 & 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥.
However, expect larger crowds in Rome as mourners arrive to pay their respects.

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We’ll continue to share updates as soon as we receive them. Thank you for your understanding during this critical time.

We join millions around the world in sending love to all who are grieving, and reflecting on the life and impact of Pope Francis. 🩵

- The Walks of Italy / Walks team


[PC: Catholic Church England and Wales]

22/04/2025

As the Vatican enters a mourning period for Pope Francis, there will be some adjustments to site openings and access in Vatican City.

If your tour is affected, you will receive direct communication from us.

We’ll continue to share updates as soon as we receive them.

We join millions around the world in honoring Pope Francis and sending love to those mourning his passing.

Thank you for your understanding during this time. ❤️🕊️

- The Walks of Italy and Walks team

21/04/2025

Today, we join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble, courageous leader who left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the city we call home.

As the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and a voice for compassion, justice, and inclusion, Pope Francis guided millions with empathy and grace. His papacy was a powerful chapter in the story of Rome, one that touched both believers and visitors alike.

In the coming days, the Eternal City will enter a time of mourning and transition. The traditions that follow a pope’s passing are centuries old, steeped in ritual, emotion, and meaning. For those in Rome now, it is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to witness history unfolding.

We are grateful that Pope Francis was able to offer one final Easter blessing this past Sunday, a gift of peace and hope in a world that needs both.

Rest in peace, Papa Francesco.

On Sunday, Francis did not preside over the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square, instead delegating it to Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri.

20/04/2025

Buona Pasqua from Italy! 🇮🇹🐣

From the lively Easter Cows parade in Florence, to the dramatic Madonna che scappa in piazza in Sulmona, (one of the most dramatic and emotional Easter Sunday traditions in Italy), to sweet slices of colomba cake shared with loved ones...Easter here is a beautiful blend of tradition, joy, and community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday wherever you are!

[Easter in Italy, Florence Easter, colomba cake, Italian Easter traditions] PC:
Mindmatrix, Superchilum, To Tuscany

19/04/2025

Piazza Navona isn’t just one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, it’s also packed with fascinating history. Here are 5 facts you might not know before stepping into this iconic spot:

1️⃣ It was originally a Roman stadium built in the 1st century.
2️⃣ The current piazza follows the exact shape of that ancient sports field.
3️⃣ Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers stands at its center—one of Rome’s most beloved fountains.
4️⃣ The stunning church behind the fountain? That’s Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini, Bernini’s Baroque rival.
5️⃣ The square truly comes to life at night when all three fountains are beautifully lit.

Have you ever visited Piazza Navona?

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18/04/2025

Rome and Vatican City are some of the busiest places on earth, but they don’t always have to feel that way.

With our exclusive access Vatican tours, you get the chance to see these magnificent places in a way that most don't: without crowds.

Empty halls, golden light, and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel almost to yourself.

It's truly a once in a lifetime experience.

See all of our Vatican tours: https://takewalks.co/4hTWTVR

[Vatican City | tours in Vatican City | best vatican tour, things to do in rome | skip the line vatican tour | what to do in Vatican City | Saint Peter’s Basilica]

17/04/2025

Have you ever heard of the Galleria Sciarra? What about the Monte Testaccio?

Galleria Sciarra is tucked just minutes from the Trevi Fountain. This hidden Art Nouveau gem feels like stepping into a secret. Covered in stunning frescoes celebrating women, beauty, and virtue, it’s a peaceful, open-air courtyard that most tourists walk right past. It’s free, it’s gorgeous, and it’s the perfect quiet moment in the middle of the city buzz.

Meanwhile, Monte Testaccio is actually an ancient trash heap made entirely of broken amphorae (olive oil jars). Few tourists know it exists—and it’s right next to some of the best local trattorias in Rome!

These are just a couple of Rome’s true off-the-beaten-path hidden gems (which isn’t easy to say these days, when it feels like hidden gems are harder and harder to find).

When most people think of Rome, they picture the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain… and while those spots are absolutely worth a visit, there’s so much more to discover if you know where to look.

We’ve pulled together 12 of our favorite off-the-radar Roman experiences—ones that go beyond the guidebooks and give you a deeper taste of the city, with Galleria Sciarra and Monte Testaccio being just two of them.

💬 Comment "ROME" below and we’ll DM you our full off-the-beaten-path guide to the Eternal City.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning Rome lover, we hope this inspires you to explore the city a little deeper.

📷 Francis Foley [Traveling to Rome | What to do in Rome]

13/04/2025

Easter time is an extra special time of year in Italy—some even say it's more important than Christmas.

From the food to the festivities to seeing the Pope lead Mass, there are plenty of reasons why it’s such a big deal.

Read all about it here: https://takewalks.co/4ltUjIH

Have you ever been in Italy during Easter? If so, tell us about it in the comments!

Think Christmas is Italy’s biggest holiday? You might be surprised to know that Easter—or Pasqua—takes center stage across the country, and is arguably a bigger holiday/celebration than Christmas.

With an entire week of powerful traditions, elaborate processions, and food that’s steeped in history, there's a lot to unpack.

From candlelit ceremonies in Rome to Easter Monday picnics in the countryside, discover why Easter in Italy isn’t just a celebration: it’s a full cultural experience.

Take a peek into one of Italy’s most meaningful holidays: https://takewalks.co/4ltUjIH

easter in italy | italian easter traditions | holy week in italy |visiting italy in spring | Rome, Italy | 📷: Globovisión

12/04/2025

We sat down with Rome experts for a one-hour deep dive into visiting the city—especially during the Jubilee year. These are 10 pieces of advice they gave us. 🧵

1. Rome is about slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere. Don’t rush through your itinerary. Spend time in quiet corners like the Vatican Gardens, Aventine Hill’s Orange Garden, or the peaceful paths of Villa Doria Pamphili.

2. Rome isn’t just the Colosseum—there are ancient ruins beyond the city center too. Take a day trip to Ostia Antica: it’s nearby, uncrowded, and full of fascinating history. A hidden gem for history lovers.

3. With Jubilee crowds flooding Rome, a guided Vatican tour with VIP access is worth every cent. Skip the lines, see more, and get expert insights you’d miss on your own. (Book your VIP Vatican experience ➡️ https://takewalks.co/4hTWTVR)

4. The Holy Doors open just once every 25 years. Don’t miss this rare Jubilee pilgrimage. Register via the Iubilaeum25 app.

5. Waking up early is worth it for those peaceful, crowd-free moments. Piazzas, basilicas, and quiet streets all to yourself. Grab an espresso and soak it in.

6. Worth repeating: Don’t leave things to chance. Major sites like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica will be extra crowded during the Jubilee year. Lock in tours ahead of time to skip the lines and avoid disappointment. 🔗 in bio for all of our tours.

7. Another great spot for Rome without the crowds: the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art—quiet, stunning, and full of modern Italian soul. And don’t skip the gardens inside the Vatican, either!

8. Don’t leave town without trying these foods: the 4 Roman pastas 🍝, maritozzo 🥐, artichokes 🌿, Oxtail stew 🍖 (Coda alla vaccinara).

9. Also, proper cherry gelato is one of the rarest finds in Rome. If you spot it, go back for seconds. Bonus points if you find a real green apple flavor too. 🍒🍏

10. A final expert tip: Use the Jubilee crowds as a reason to explore beyond Rome’s top 3 sites. There's so much beauty and history in the places few tourists ever see.

Listen to the full conversation: https://takewalks.co/4jbNfyM

Have questions pertaining to Rome/the Jubilee? Drop them below 💭

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📷Michele Bitetto [Rome Tips | Rome Trip Planning | What to see and do in Rome | Rome Jubilee 2025 | Guided tours Rome]