Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings

Explore Florence’s shadowy history on the Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings, a captivating experience priced at $34 per person. Lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, this guided walk takes you through the city’s darker side, blending stories of executions, murders, and legends with local wine, cold cuts, and Tuscan desserts. The tour begins in Piazza della Signoria and visits key historical sites, making it perfect for those curious about Florence’s less-known stories and eager to pair history with authentic regional flavors.

What makes this tour special is its focus on real murder cases and unresolved mysteries, including the infamous Monster of Florence from 1984. With knowledgeable guides and delicious tastings, it offers a unique way to experience the city beyond its postcard sights. While it involves some walking and historical storytelling, the inclusion of wine and food stops ensures a warm, flavorful, and intriguing adventure through Florence’s darker past.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $34 per person and lasts up to 2 hours.
• Starting Point: It begins at Piazza della Signoria, near the statue of Cosimo I de Medici.
• Main Focus: Combines true crime stories, legend, and history with Tuscan wine, cold cuts, and cantucci.
• Major Highlights: Stories of Florence’s executions, Torture Palace at the Bargello, and the Mystery of the Monster of Florence.
• Food and Drink: Includes wine tastings and sweet cantucci with Vin Santo at a historic cernacchio.
• Guide Quality: Highly praised guides like Ezgi and Ilaria are noted for their knowledgeable storytelling and warm approach.
• Suitable For: Those interested in history with a dark twist, true crime, and local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Piazza della Signoria: Where History Meets Dark Tales

The tour kicks off at the iconic Piazza della Signoria, a lively square dominated by Cosimo I de Medici’s statue. Historically, this was the site of public executions and political dramas, setting the perfect tone for the dark stories ahead. The guide brings the past alive by recounting the fate of Girolamo Savonarola, who preached against luxury and was ultimately burned at the pyre.

This starting point anchors the tour in Florence’s political and social history, revealing how justice and punishment played a prominent role in city life. The lively piazza offers plenty of visual interest, but the focus quickly shifts to Florence’s more sinister stories as the guide leads you into narrow alleys and hidden corners.

Walking Through Florence’s Hidden Alleys and Folklore

From Piazza della Signoria, the tour moves along Via dei Calzaiuoli, a busy street lined with shops and historical sites. The route then takes a turn into Vicolo dei Lavatoi, a quiet alleyway that whispers of penance and obsession. Here, the atmosphere shifts from bustling to mysterious, as the guide shares tales of Florence’s occult legends and lost rituals.

A noteworthy element is the folklore surrounding the Mugnone River, known as the River of Corpses. Once a site of disappearances, drownings, and occult tales, this ancient stream still flows beneath the streets, hinting at Florence’s darkest secrets. This stop offers a glimpse into the city’s hidden undercurrents, making it a compelling part of the walk.

Tasting Tuscan Flavors at the Prosciutteria Near the Duomo

Midway through the tour, a delicious break takes place at a local prosciutteria near the Duomo. Here, the group enjoys a glass of Tuscan wine and a tasting board of cold cuts and local specialties. Vegetarian options are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of Tuscany.

This stop provides a welcome pause amidst the storytelling, allowing for savoring regional bites and soaking in the ambiance of Florence. The tastings are not only tasty but also serve as a cultural appetizer, deepening the connection to the region’s culinary traditions.

Exploring Florence’s Old Prisons and Torture Instruments

After the food stop, the tour proceeds to the Bargello, once Florence’s palace of torture and justice. The building’s history as a place of punishment lends itself perfectly to stories of torture devices and brutal justice. The guide explains how these instruments of pain were used not just for punishment but also as a means of control.

Continuing along Via Ghibellina, the tour revisits the tragic case of Beatrice Cenci, accused of parricide in a drama soaked in abuse and revenge. These stories highlight Florence’s theatrical justice system and its role in shaping the city’s cruel yet fascinating history.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Cellars of the Stinche and Final Mysteries

Passing through Via del Proconsolo, the tour reaches the site of the Stinche, Florence’s most infamous prison. The Tabernacolo delle Stinche is a place where condemned prisoners stopped to pray before their final walk. The guide recounts legendary tales and harrowing stories associated with this grim site, bringing Florence’s punishment history vividly to life.

The walk concludes at a historic cernacchio, where participants enjoy a final sweet pairing of cantucci with Vin Santo. This traditional Tuscan dessert pairing echoes the bittersweet layers of Florence’s past—beautiful yet marked by darker chapters.

Guide Expertise and Storytelling Style

Throughout the tour, guides such as Ezgi and Ilaria are praised for their knowledgeable and engaging storytelling. They deftly weave historical facts with legends, making each site feel alive with stories. Their warm, personable approach creates a welcoming atmosphere, even when recounting tales of murder, torture, and mystery.

Their explanations of Florence’s justice and punishment systems are clear and vivid, helping participants understand the brutality and theatricality of the city’s dark episodes. The guides also share local insights, making the experience both informative and entertaining.

Logistics, Pacing, and Accessibility

The tour starts at Piazza della Signoria and involves walking through narrow alleys and historic streets. The pace allows enough time to absorb the stories and enjoy tastings without feeling rushed. The food and wine stops are well-timed, offering relaxing moments amid the storytelling.

The tour is suitable for those able to walk moderate distances and navigate cobblestone streets. The group size and language options (English and Spanish) are designed to ensure a smooth, engaging experience.

Value and Overall Experience

At $34 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a combination of dark history, local flavors, and engaging storytelling. The inclusion of wine tastings and Tuscan desserts enhances the overall experience, making it more than just a walk through history.

The high ratings—a perfect 5 out of 5 from five reviews—reflect the quality of guides, interesting stories, and delicious tastings. It’s especially suited for visitors interested in Florence’s lesser-known stories, true crime, or dark legends paired with culinary delights.

Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts: A Dark but Delicious Journey

This tour is a unique way to explore Florence, combining historical intrigue with local cuisine. It’s a well-paced walk through the city’s shadowy corners, offering stories of executions, torture, and mysterious murders. The tastings provide a tangible taste of Tuscany, making the dark tales even more memorable.

While it’s not for everyone—those seeking a light sightseeing experience might prefer more postcard-perfect tours—those curious about Florence’s hidden stories will find it both entertaining and enlightening. The guides’ expertise and the authentic flavors make this a compelling choice for adventurous visitors seeking a different side of Florence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour focuses on dark stories of murders and torture, so it may not be suitable for young children. It’s better suited for teenagers and adults who are comfortable with mature themes.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Check availability for your preferred language when booking.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking?
Yes, it involves walking through narrow streets and alleys. The pace is moderate, and comfortable footwear is recommended.

Are food and wine included?
Yes, the tour includes wine tastings, cold cuts, and Tuscan cantucci with Vin Santo at the final stop.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Florence Crimes, Murders & Ghosts Walking Tour with Tastings offers a dark yet flavorful exploration of Florence, blending history, legend, and local cuisine into one memorable walk. It’s an engaging experience for those eager to discover the city’s hidden stories and culinary traditions—a perfect combo for a thought-provoking, delicious afternoon.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby