Halloween in Italy: three cities and their mysteries, events and legends to discover 

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to experience Italian cities from a different perspective, with unusual sights, mysterious stories and experiences created for young and old alike. Italy is home to several destinations that are perfect for a weekend of discovery and thrills: from the esoteric charm of Turin to the evocative atmosphere of Bologna, as well as tours of Rome’s haunted sites, catacombs and ancient monuments.

Whether you prefer an evening guided tour, an itinerary exploring urban legends, a cultural experience for the whole family or a day of horror, these three Italian cities offer different but equally fascinating ways to enjoy the Halloween weekend.

Halloween in Turin: mysteries, legends and events

Regarded as one of Italy’s capitals of esotericism, Turin is a particularly evocative destination if you are thinking about where to celebrate Halloween. With its historic buildings, mysterious symbols and legends handed down through the ages, the city offers plenty of inspiration for exploring its more enigmatic side, combining culture, curiosities and the atmosphere of autumn in a single experience.

H3 – A night of history and mystery at Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is opening its doors outside normal hours for a Halloween-themed night-time tour, entitled A Night of History and Mystery. Through this experience, the historic residence in Piazza Castello offers an evocative journey exploring centuries of history, hidden treasures and eerie atmospheres, taking place on 31 October from 6.15 pm.

A night at Palazzo Madama is the perfect choice if you want to combine your Halloween in Turin with an elegant, mysterious and authentic experience in the heart of the city – an evening in which the palace and its collections take centre stage in a unique narrative.

A family Halloween in Turin

The city offers a wide range of events designed for young children, perfect for having fun together in a more light-hearted and accessible way. Of the many initiatives, we would like to highlight Mystery at the Museum - Halloween at the Accorsi-Ometto Museum; the Museo del Crimine (Museum of Crime), organised by MU-CH Museum of Chemistry in Settimo Torinese; and Torino Magica® Special Halloween for families, a walk of approximately two hours that begins in Piazza CLN and ends in Piazza Castello, with a final trick or treat.

Where to stay in Turin for Halloween

If you are looking for a hotel in Turin for Halloween, Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze is the ideal choice: this 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of the city, in a prime location that makes it the perfect base for exploring the secrets of the so-called capital of esotericism.

Among the hotel’s many facilities – which include over 100 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Alps – we simply must tell you about the Alkemy SPA. This is a large, renovated spa featuring a sauna, Turkish bath, experience showers and wellness treatments; an oasis of peace and relaxation where you can recharge your batteries, also open to non-residents thanks to the DAY SPA package.

Bologna: Halloween among the porticoes and mysteries

With its porticoes, medieval architecture and corners steeped in history, Bologna is the perfect setting for Halloween: alongside strolls through the historic centre, museums and landmarks become the stage for exploring unusual tales, symbols and events from the past.

La Certosa: history, symbolism and mystery

The Certosa Monumental Cemetery in Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most fascinating venues for your cultural Halloween. A guided tour entitled The Enigma of the Sphinx has been organised for 31 October at 2.00 pm, offering visitors the chance to explore the symbolism of this evocative complex up close. The Certosa is a unique and memorable destination, a site where Bologna’s monumental architecture combines with an otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for a weekend of mystery and thrills. 

Museums and family-friendly itineraries

Bologna also has activities to offer families: the International museum and library of music is hosting Musica da paura! (Scary music!), a guided tour through the exhibition galleries starting at 10.00 am on Saturday 31 October, the Museum of the History of Bologna is offering games, tours and workshops, and Palazzo Belloni is hosting the exhibition Tutankhamun: the Tomb, the Treasure, the Curse.

Hotels in Bologna for Halloween

UNA Hotels San Vitale Bologna is the ideal choice for your Halloween weekend in Bologna: the hotel is situated a short distance from the city centre and offers a direct link to the airport, making it perfect for those travelling by plane who are looking for a hotel that is easy to reach.

The hotel offers 140 rooms and suites, as well as 12 one-room and two-room apartments: an extensive range of accommodation options, designed to meet the needs of every guest. The experience is rounded off by the Fuori Porta Bar & Restaurant and the fitness centre, which is open to all guests.

Rome: experience Halloween in a setting of antiquity and mystery

In Rome, the city’s millennia-old history is interwoven with legends, folk tales and sites with a special atmosphere. The ancient ruins, catacombs and crypts offer a unique setting in which to experience Halloween through itineraries that take you off the beaten track. From ghost tours of Ancient Rome to cultural experiences and family-friendly events, the capital offers a wide range of options, combining the allure of mystery with the chance to discover its extraordinary historical heritage.

Ghost tour of Ancient Rome: catacombs, crypts and mysterious sites

Rome offers plenty of opportunities to experience Halloween through its historical heritage and the city’s most eerie tales. From guided tours exploring the ghosts, emperors and legends of Ancient Rome to visits to catacombs, crypts and chapels, the capital offers the chance to explore evocative and less conventional sites than those found on classic tourist itineraries.

• Ghost tours: guided walks lasting around two hours, featuring macabre tales, urban legends and anecdotes linked to ancient Rome, also ideal for first-time visitors to the city.
• Catacombs: underground routes exploring early Christian Rome, offering a blend of history, art and stories from the past.
• Crypts and ossuary chapels: places characterised by powerful symbolism and a unique atmosphere, ideal for those interested in the city’s more unusual and mysterious side.

Halloween at Cinecittà World

Cinecittà World, the world-famous film theme park, is dedicating the whole of October to Halloween, with new attractions, themed shows and special events designed for different levels of fright: from children to families, and from teenagers to adults. The grand finale is scheduled for the weekend of 31 October, featuring live shows, themed dinners, music and DJ sets late into the night.

• Where: Cinecittà World, Rome.
• Period: the whole of October, with the grand finale scheduled for the weekend of 31 October.
• Who it is suitable for: groups of friends, couples and families with teenagers.

For travellers, this is a convenient option if you want to devote a whole day to entertainment, away from the historic centre while enjoying an immersive and spectacular experience.

Where to stay in Rome for Halloween

Located on Via Margutta, Maison Roma Piazza di Spagna | UNA Esperienze stands in one of Rome’s most iconic spots, a cornerstone of the Dolce Vita and of the many artists who have passed through here. This boutique hotel offers a striking blend of the sacred and the secular, the ancient and the modern: the building is in fact housed in a former boarding school with a chapel, and thus retains splendid historical features such as the frescoed vaults, the tabernacle and the altar set into the bar counter. The rooms are comfortable, while the inner courtyard is designed to offer a space where guests can relax in complete tranquillity.

How to organise a Halloween weekend in the city

From guided tours exploring the mysteries of the past to family-friendly events, Halloween in the city is much more than just a single evening of fancy dress: it is an opportunity to explore familiar places in a new light and be captivated by the stories, traditions and lesser-known corners of some of Italy’s most distinctive cities.

Turin, Bologna and Rome offer experiences ideal for anyone looking for an original weekend away, whether it is a trip with friends, a romantic getaway or a day out with the children. Before you set off, we recommend that you check the availability, timings and booking procedures for each activity, particularly for special events.

Whichever destination you choose, book your room and get ready to explore these cities in a different way, with a mix of culture, entertainment and a touch of mystery.