Описание
For those who have not yet delved into the secrets of Rome, it may seem that there is nothing magical and mysterious in the city. This is not entirely true: it is in the Eternal City that secret societies and religious orders coexisted for centuries, intrigues were woven, poisons were invented, and occult knowledge was preserved. With me, you will explore corners of Rome that may seem to exist only in movies about wizards in modern reality. And you will see how much Rome hides from unsuspecting laymen behind closed doors in the heart of the city.
What to Expect
Secrets of the Ancient Library
First, we will visit one of the oldest libraries in Europe, which opened its doors to the public in the early 17th century. Multi-level shelves with secret passages, hidden doors, handwritten and first-printed books, the smell of ancient bindings - all this is hidden in one of the inconspicuous palaces in the very center of Rome.
Amazing Perspective by Borromini
You will visit a courtyard with Borromini's masterpiece perspective. This place with an amazing optical illusion proves that mathematical formulas can act as magical spells, easily transforming an inconspicuous corner into a luxurious baroque gallery.
Oldest Roman Pharmacy
Next, we will head to the oldest pharmacy in Rome, opened in the 1500s at one of the monasteries. The pharmacy is no longer operational, but the monks will gladly take you through the unchanged for the past couple of centuries halls, resembling an alchemical laboratory. In this mysterious space, you will see a collection of poisons, flasks with medicinal concoctions, and cauldrons for potions, and also smell ancient antidotes, open boxes with very strange ingredients, and realize that not so long ago, medicine and magic were clearly adjacent fields.
Organizational Details
Entrance ticket to the pharmacy is paid separately: the cost for a group of two to five people will be 25 euros, which goes to the monastery's needs.