How long does it take to walk the Animals in Stone route?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers (1 mile), covering the area between Capitoline Hill and Piazza Navona, with plenty of time included for stops and photos.

Is the Rome animal scavenger hunt suitable for strollers?

Yes, the route is generally stroller-friendly as it remains on flat ground in the city center. However, be prepared for Rome's traditional cobblestones, which can be a bit bumpy, and a slight incline when approaching the Capitoline Hill.

Can I see the Capitoline Wolf for free?

Yes, while the original ancient bronze is inside the Capitoline Museums, a perfect replica is located outdoors on a pillar to the left of the Palazzo Senatorio. This allows you to see the famous symbol of Rome without paying for a museum ticket.

What animals can you find in Piazza Navona?

In Piazza Navona's Fountain of the Four Rivers, you can find a lion, a horse, a sea monster (or serpent), and a crocodile. These animals were carved by Bernini's workshop to represent the four major rivers of the known world at the time.

Where is the elephant statue in Rome?

The famous elephant statue, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is located in Piazza della Minerva, right behind the Pantheon. It is officially known as the Elephant and Obelisk and was completed in 1667.

Is it worth doing a self-guided walk in Rome?

Absolutely, a self-guided walk offers the flexibility to start whenever you want and take breaks for gelato or shopping. It is particularly valuable in the crowded Centro Storico where you can move at your own speed away from large groups.

What is the best time of day for a walking tour Rome city center?

Early morning (before 10:00 AM) is the best time to avoid the heat and the largest crowds. Alternatively, a late afternoon stroll allows you to see the monuments as they begin to light up for the evening.

Animals in Stone: A Family Scavenger Hunt | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a playful adventure through the heart of the Eternal City with this self-guided walk designed specifically for families and the young at heart. While Rome is famous for its emperors and gladiators, its streets are also home to a hidden menagerie of stone creatures waiting to be discovered. This walking route transforms the Centro Storico into a giant scavenger hunt, leading you from the legendary wolf on the Capitoline Hill to the exotic beasts of Piazza Navona. It is a fantastic way to keep children engaged with history while exploring some of the city's most iconic landmarks at your own pace. Your journey begins at the Capitoline Hill, where you will meet the city's most famous resident: the bronze she-wolf. From there, the route winds through charming medieval alleys and grand Renaissance piazzas. You will search for delicate bronze turtles, a sturdy elephant carrying an ancient Egyptian obelisk, and even a hidden dragon tucked away on the walls of the Pantheon. Unlike a traditional walking tour Rome often offers, this experience allows you to pause whenever a gelato shop catches your eye or a sunny piazza invites a quick rest. Each stop on this audio walk reveals a new story, blending mythology with historical facts that bring the stone carvings to life. You will learn why a stag's head sits atop a church and how a famous sculptor used an elephant to support a massive stone needle. The route is entirely outdoors and accessible, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore independently without the pressure of a group schedule. By the time you reach the final stop at the Fountain of the Four Rivers, you will have seen Rome through a completely different lens—not just as a museum of ruins, but as a vibrant playground of art and imagination. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, this neighborhood stroll offers a refreshing and interactive way to experience the magic of Rome.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Spot the legendary Capitoline Wolf, the symbol of Rome
Find the charming bronze turtles of Piazza Mattei
Marvel at Bernini's whimsical 'Elephant and Obelisk'
Search for hidden dragons on the exterior of the Pantheon
Discover the miraculous stag at Sant'Eustachio
Identify exotic animals at the Fountain of the Four Rivers

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

The Capitoline Wolf

Welcome to the start of your scavenger hunt! You are standing near the Capitoline Hill, and right here is the most famous animal in Rome: the Lupa Capitolina, or the She-Wolf. Look closely at the bronze statue. According to legend, this wolf found two tiny twin boys, Romulus and Remus, abandoned in a basket on the Tiber River. Instead of hurting them, she nursed them as if they were her own pups. Romulus eventually grew up to found the city of Rome in 753 BC. While the original statue is inside the museum, this faithful replica allows you to see the symbol of the city up close. Can you see the twins underneath her? This image is everywhere in Rome, from manhole covers to the crest of the local soccer team!

2

The Turtle Fountain

Nestled in the quiet Piazza Mattei is one of Rome’s most beloved hidden gems: the Fontana delle Tartarughe. As you look at this Renaissance masterpiece, see if you can find the four bronze turtles. Legend says the fountain was built in a single night by a Duke who wanted to impress his future father-in-law, though history tells us it actually took a bit longer! The turtles themselves weren't part of the original design; they were added nearly 80 years later, possibly by the famous artist Bernini. Watch how the young men in the sculpture seem to be helping the turtles climb into the upper basin. It is a whimsical stop that shows how Roman art can be both grand and playful.

3

The Elephant and Obelisk

In the center of Piazza della Minerva, you will find a very unusual sight: a smiling elephant carrying a massive Egyptian obelisk on its back. This is known as 'Il Pulcino della Minerva' (The Chick of Minerva). Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1667, the elephant was chosen because it represents strength and wisdom—qualities needed to support the 'weight' of ancient knowledge symbolized by the obelisk. Look at the elephant’s face; it looks quite friendly, doesn't it? Rumor has it that Bernini positioned the elephant's backside to face the office of a rival priest he didn't particularly like! It is one of the most charming statues in the city and a favorite for children to photograph.

4

The Pantheon (Dragon Crests)

While everyone looks at the massive dome of the Pantheon, your scavenger hunt requires you to look for something smaller. On the exterior walls and nearby buildings, look for the crests featuring a dragon. This isn't a mythical beast from a fairytale, but the heraldic symbol of the Boncompagni family, specifically Pope Gregory XIII. In the 16th century, the dragon was a sign of power and prestige. Can you find the dragons carved into the stone? They often look like they are guarding the ancient temple. It is a great reminder that in Rome, even the smallest carvings on a wall can tell you who was in charge hundreds of years ago.

5

Sant'Eustachio (The Stag Head)

Look up to the very top of the church of Sant'Eustachio. Perched on the roof is a magnificent stag’s head with a cross between its antlers. This animal commemorates a miracle. Legend says a Roman general named Placidus was hunting in the woods when he saw a beautiful stag. As he approached, he saw a glowing cross appearing between the animal's antlers and heard a voice. This vision was so powerful that he converted to Christianity and changed his name to Eustace. This church has stood here for over a thousand years, and the stag remains its guardian. After you've spotted it, the nearby cafe is famous for having some of the best coffee in Rome!

6

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Your final stop is the spectacular Piazza Navona. In the center sits the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece by Bernini. This fountain is a literal zoo in stone! As you walk around it, try to spot the different animals representing four major continents. There is a lion and a palm tree for Africa, a horse for Europe, a scary-looking sea monster for the Nile, and even a creature that looks like a crocodile or an armadillo for the Americas. The animals were meant to show that the power of the Church reached every corner of the globe. You've completed your hunt! Take a moment to enjoy the spray of the water and the bustling life of the piazza.

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Explore “Animals in Stone: A Family Scavenger Hunt” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided animal scavenger hunt is often the best choice for families. It allows kids to stay engaged by searching for stone creatures like the Capitoline Wolf and Bernini's Elephant while parents enjoy the historic architecture of the Centro Storico at their own pace.

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