Between Angels and Demons - On the tracks of the Illuminati

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

The tour, based on the well-known novel by Dan Brown “Angels and Demons” wishes to propose a new and characteristic visit of Rome through some of the main monuments symbolizing the baroque period (squares, churches, fountains) and know more of the personality of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the XVII century most important Italian artist (supposed to be together with Galileo Galilei chief of Illuminati secret society).
The tour will follow the track of the four elements named in the novel: Fire, Earth, Water, Air and the corresponding places in town.
 


We start from S. Maria della Vittoria Church, where there is the extraordinary sculpture “Ecstasy of St. Theresa” (symbolizing the Fire) and then reach Piazza del Popolo to explore “The Chigi Chapel” planned by Raphael for Agostino Chigi – rich Sienese banker - but finished by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (meant Earth). Through the historical center of Rome we go to Pantheon, one of the roman spirit masterpiece now transformed in church and sacrarium.

 
 
The Water symbol could be represented by nothing else than "Fountain of the four Rivers” in the middle of Navona Square, one of the most famous. We cross Tiber river and  Angels Bridge and we reach Saint Angelo’s Castle named by the huge sculpture of the Angel made in bronze by Peter Anton van Verschaffelt , and end the tour in the magnificent St. Peter Square, where there is the last symbol Air. The square was re-planned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Alessandro VII. 

  

It is possible to visit all the places named in the novel.

After a break for lunch, the tour continue with a visit to a part of Vatican Museums and the Sistina Chapel (place of the Conclave) then St. Peter Basilica, with Bernini masterpieces and at the end the Popes' Tombs.


On request it is possible to rent a private car or minivan/bus with driver for group.