{"id":4023,"date":"2025-12-14T07:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T06:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestfreetour.com\/?p=4023"},"modified":"2025-12-07T17:32:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T16:32:37","slug":"bozza-automaticawalking-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestfreetour.com\/it\/2025\/12\/14\/bozza-automaticawalking-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Rome
Rome Free Tour-Walking Ancient Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever dreamed of walking above a real Roman arch for free, Walking Ancient Rome<\/em> is exactly the kind of hidden experience you will love. What follows is the complete story of my visit to the Church <\/a>of San Tommaso in Formis<\/strong>, a rare place where history, chance, and curiosity come together in the most unexpected way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Hidden Roman Surprise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Ancient Rome<\/em> begins on the Celio Hill<\/strong>, right next to Villa Celimontana<\/strong>, where the small and often-closed Church of San Tommaso in Formis<\/strong> quietly hides one of Rome\u2019s most fascinating secrets. After several attempts, I finally found it open\u2014and as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as I stepped inside, a friendly \u201cgood morning\u201d and a respectful smile were enough to receive permission to explore. Then, quite surprisingly, I was invited to climb up to a viewpoint connected to the Arch of Gallienus<\/strong>, one of only two surviving gates from the ancient Servian Walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climbing the Arch of Gallienus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, reaching the top of this ancient structure felt surreal. Standing above the arch\u2014an authentic Roman architectural element dating back more than two millennia\u2014I could admire a view I had been trying to see for years. The panorama opens over a stretch of the city that blends archaeology, history, and the everyday life of modern Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For context, the Arch of Gallienus<\/strong> originally served as Porta Esquilina<\/strong> of the Servian Walls. Even though it is not officially advertised as a viewpoint, access may occasionally be granted by the church staff, making the experience rare and unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking Ancient Rome<\/em>, When to Visit<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Useful Information and Opening Times<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it is essential to know that the church is not always open. Typically, San Tommaso in Formis<\/strong> opens on Sundays from 10:00 AM<\/strong>, although the schedule may vary depending on the custodians on duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if you want to try your luck, the best strategy is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n