Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Torre della Scimmia, or Tower of the Monkey, stands as a testament to Rome's rich history and community spirit. This medieval tower, located in the heart of Rome, serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The tower's unique legend, involving a miraculous rescue by a monkey, has woven itself into the fabric of local lore, fostering a sense of connection among the community.

The tower's illuminated statue of the Virgin and Child is a nightly beacon, symbolizing hope and gratitude. This connection to the community is further enhanced by the tower's proximity to Navona Square, a vibrant hub of social activity.

Torre della Scimmia invites visitors to explore its historical significance while engaging with the local culture, making it a vital part of Rome's community landscape.

Torre della Scimmia collaborates with various local businesses and cultural institutions to enhance the visitor experience. These partnerships include:

Torre della Scimmia hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. These include:

Torre della Scimmia is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that its operations benefit both the community and the environment. Key initiatives include:

Visitors often share their experiences and stories about Torre della Scimmia. Here are some reflections:

Whether you're a history buff, a local resident, or a curious traveler, Torre della Scimmia invites you to explore its storied past and vibrant community. Join us for upcoming events and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Rome.

Torre della Scimmia, or the Tower of the Monkey, stands as a testament to Rome's rich medieval history. This iconic structure, located at Via dei Portoghesi, 18, was built by the Frangipane family, possibly around 1040, and has since become a symbol of local lore and architectural beauty. The tower is crowned with a statue of the Virgin and Child, illuminated at night, commemorating a miraculous event that inspired its name.

1040: Possible construction by the Frangipane family.

16th Century: Transition to the Scapucci family.

Present Day: A preserved medieval landmark.

The Torre della Scimmia has not only shaped the skyline of Rome but also its cultural narrative. The legend surrounding the tower, involving a miraculous rescue of a child by a pet monkey, has been passed down through generations, enriching the local folklore. This story, popularized by Nathaniel Hawthorne in his novel "The Marble Faun," continues to resonate with both locals and visitors, making the tower a focal point of community pride.

The Frangipane family, known for their noble lineage, played a pivotal role in the tower's history. Their influence in medieval Rome set the stage for the tower's construction. Later, the Scapucci family contributed to its legacy, ensuring that the tower remained a significant landmark. The stories of these families intertwine with the tower's narrative, reflecting the historical tapestry of Rome.

Over the centuries, Torre della Scimmia has adapted to the changing landscape of Rome. While it remains closed to visitors, its presence continues to attract attention from tourists and locals alike. The preservation efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining the historical integrity of this medieval structure, ensuring that its story endures.

As the Torre della Scimmia stands tall in Rome, it continues to be a beacon of history and culture. The stories of the families who once inhabited it and the legends that surround it enrich the local community. Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby Navona Square, where the tower's legacy can be felt in the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

Located at Via dei Portoghesi, 18 in Rome, the Torre della Scimmia, or Tower of the Monkey, is a medieval marvel steeped in history and legend. This iconic structure, crowned with a statue of the Virgin and Child, illuminates the night sky, drawing visitors and locals alike. The tower is not just a visual delight; it embodies a fascinating tale of a family's love and a miraculous event that led to its unique name.

Rich historical significance and unique architecture.

Beautifully illuminated at night, creating a picturesque scene.

Close proximity to Navona Square and other historical sites.

Limited access for visitors as the tower is closed.

Can be crowded due to its popularity among tourists.

This tower is perfect for history enthusiasts, families looking to explore Rome's rich past, and anyone seeking a picturesque backdrop for photography.

While the Torre della Scimmia is closed to visitors, it is worth visiting the area to appreciate its architecture and the nearby St Antony of the Portuguese Church. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The Torre della Scimmia stands as a testament to Rome's medieval history and architectural beauty. While access is limited, its presence enriches the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding area, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the heart of Rome.

Torre Della Scimmia (Tower Of The Monkey) In Rome, Italy.

Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Torre della Scimmia, or the Tower of the Monkey, stands as a captivating piece of medieval architecture. Located at 18 Via dei Portoghesi, this historical gem offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. The tower, renowned for its legend involving a monkey, is adorned with a striking statue of the Virgin and Child, illuminating the skyline at night.

The Tower of the Monkey dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of the few remaining towers from that era, once numbering around 300 throughout the city. It's believed to have been constructed by the Frangipane family and later passed to the Scapucci family. The tower's name is linked to a poignant legend where a pet monkey once saved a child, leading to a statue being erected as a gesture of gratitude.

While the tower itself is not open for interior visits, its striking exterior and the surrounding area, particularly near Navona Square, provide an enchanting experience for those wandering through Rome. Travelers can admire the architectural beauty from the outside, and nearby attractions, including quaint cafes and historical sites, make it an ideal stop on your Roman adventure.


- The iconic statue of the Virgin and Child
- The beautifully preserved medieval architecture
- Proximity to Navona Square and other historical attractions
- Rich local legends and stories that enhance the visit.

Rome

Europe

Italy

Torre della Scimmia, or the Tower of the Monkey, stands as a captivating piece of medieval architecture in the heart of Rome, located at Via dei Portoghesi, 18. This historic tower, adorned with a statue of the Virgin and Child, has a rich narrative that intertwines legend and history. The tower's name derives from a poignant tale involving a monkey and a child, which has been passed down through generations. Illuminated at night, the statue symbolizes gratitude for a miraculous event, making the tower not only a visual landmark but also a site of cultural significance.

While Torre della Scimmia is primarily a historical landmark, the surrounding area is rich with culinary experiences that reflect the vibrant flavors of Roman cuisine. Visitors can indulge in local trattorias and cafes, where traditional dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. The ambiance is lively, with the aroma of Italian herbs and spices wafting through the air.

Pasta alla Carbonara - A Roman classic made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.

Saltimbocca alla Romana - Tender veal wrapped with prosciutto and sage.

Tiramisu - A delightful coffee-flavored dessert that is a must-try.

Situated near the bustling Navona Square, Torre della Scimmia is surrounded by a plethora of cultural attractions. The area is rich in history, with charming streets lined with ancient buildings and vibrant cafes. Visitors can explore the nearby St. Antony of the Portuguese Church, which adds to the historical tapestry of the neighborhood. The proximity to these attractions makes it an ideal spot for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Roman culture.

Q: Is Torre della Scimmia open for visitors? A: No, it is closed to visitors.

Q: How can I get to Torre della Scimmia? A: It is located near Navona Square, easily accessible by foot.

Explore the enchanting Torre della Scimmia and its surrounding area, where history and culture come alive. A visit to this iconic tower will enrich your experience of Rome, making it a memorable part of your journey.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM2bjhpR2RREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcwRo9lBgLxMRLtd2JkqhGlY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM2bjhpR2RREAE

The medieval Torre della Scimmia (Tower of the Monkey) is crowned with a statue of the Virgin and Child, which is illuminated at night. The statue was erected in thanks for the safe return of a child stolen by a monkey, hence the name of the tower.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNoaHFlcVZREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcwRo9lBgLxMRLtd2JkqhGlY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNoaHFlcVZREAE

Perfect place to stay in Rome. Very clean. Good balance price / comfort. Cool location

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3MWFibTJBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcwRo9lBgLxMRLtd2JkqhGlY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3MWFibTJBRRAB

Great location within 10 minutes of all the historical buildings and great little cafes on every street.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBd3ZqbzJBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcwRo9lBgLxMRLtd2JkqhGlY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBd3ZqbzJBRRAB

Navona Meydanına çok yakın bir mesafede bulunan Torre della Scimmia (Maymun Kulesi), Roma'da Ortaçağ boyunca inşa edilen yüksek çan kuleleri ve güçlü aileler tarafından yaptırılan görkemli kulelerden biri idi. Sayılarının 300 civarında olduğu düşünülen kulelerden günümüze ulaşan 50 kule arasındadır.

Tarihsel hikayesine baktığımızda kulenin Frangipane ailesi tarafından yaptırılmış olabileceği ve 1040 yılında St Oddone Frangipane'nin doğum yeri olması ihtimali olduğu düşünülür. Kule, 16.yy'da Scapucci ailesine geçmiş ve Scapucci sarayına dahil edilmiştir. Bu sebeple de büyük antik giriş kapısı Scapucci  ailesini simgeleyen yıldız ve hilal ile süslenmiştir.

Maymun kulesi olarak bilinmesinin nedeni ise Nathaniel  Hawthorne tarafından Marble Faun adlı eserde anlatılan bir efsane. Bu efsaneye göre kulede yaşayan aile dönemin modasına uygun olarak yeni doğan oğullarının beşiği etrafında bir evcil maymun bulundurmaktaydı. Ancak bir gün maymun bebeği aldı ve kuleye tırmandı. Çaresiz baba, Meryem Ana'ya bebeği kurtarması için yalvardı ve bunun üzerine maymun sakince kuleden inerek çocuğu eve getirdi. Bu lütfun bir kanıtı olarak da kule tepesinde Meryem Ana'ya adanarak sürekli yanacak bir alev (lamba) yapıldı ki bu alevin simulasyonu halen kule tepesinde görünmektedir.

Roma'da yer alan Ortaçağ kulelerinin en iyi korunmuş örneklerinden biri olan kule ziyarete kapalıdır. Ancak Navona Meydanı yakınında iseniz hem kuleyi hem de hemen yanı başında yer alan St Antony of the Portuguese Kilisesini ziyaret etmenizi tavsiye ederim.

Torre della Scimmia (Monkey Tower), located very close to Navona Square, was one of the tall bell towers built in Rome during the Middle Ages and one of the magnificent towers built by powerful families. It is among the 50 towers that have survived to the present day, out of the towers thought to be around 300 in number.

When we look at its historical story, it is thought that the tower may have been built by the Frangipane family and may have been the birthplace of St Oddone Frangipane in 1040. The tower passed to the Scapucci family in the 16th century and was included in the Scapucci palace. For this reason, the large ancient entrance door is decorated with a star and crescent symbolizing the Scapucci family.

The reason why it is known as the monkey tower is a legend told by Nathaniel Hawthorne in his work called Marble Faun. According to this legend, the family living in the tower kept a pet monkey around their newborn son's cradle, in accordance with the fashion of the period. But one day the monkey took the baby and climbed the tower. The desperate father begged the Virgin Mary to save the baby, whereupon the monkey calmly descended from the tower and brought the child home. As a proof of this grace, a flame (lamp) was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built at the top of the tower to burn continuously, and the simulation of this flame is still visible on the top of the tower.

The tower, one of the best preserved examples of the Medieval towers in Rome, is closed to visitors. However, if you are near Navona Square, I recommend you visit both the tower and the St Antony of the Portuguese Church located right next to it.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5MVlDV2FREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJcwRo9lBgLxMRLtd2JkqhGlY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5MVlDV2FREAE

In via dei Portoghesi si può vedere un palazzo, con annessa una Torre medievale ,ancora ben conservata.
La Torre dei Frangipane , denominata anche Torre della Scimmia, è un perfetto esempio per ricordare la Roma medievale.
La Torre ,detta appunto della scimmia, ricorda una leggenda di Roma molto nota .
Si narra che verso la metà del '500 ,nel Palazzo vivesse una famiglia di nobili romani che commerciavano con l oriente, e infatti,  avevano preso con sé una scimmietta.
Da poco tempo era nata anche una bimba.
La scimmietta, un giorno,, però,  prese la neonata dalla culla e andò ad arrampicarsi sulla Torre .
I genitori ,spaventati che la bambina potesse cadere giù, alla fine , disperati, invocarono la Madonna. E subito dopo , provarono a richiamare con un fischio la scimmietta, che ,finalmente, scese ,  riportando a casa la bambina.
La famiglia pensó subito al miracolo e ,per gratitudine ,  fecero mettere una statua di una madonnina con una  lampada perpetua sulla Torre .
Come segno di devozione, la lampada nn si sarebbe mai dovuta spengere.
In realtà,  sembra che proprio una clausola vincoli i futuri proprietari a mantenere sempre accesa la lampada, e che , in caso di spegnimento, possa essere,perfino, annullato  il contratto di vendita.
Questa leggenda viene citata anche nel romanzo Il Fauno di Marmo di Hawthorne.
Ma ricordiamo, soprattutto, con piacere la  poesia intitolata"Er Palazzo de la scimmia",scritta da Giggi Zanazzo.

In via dei Portoghesi you can see a palace, with an adjoining medieval tower, still well preserved.
The Frangipane Tower, also called the Monkey Tower, is a perfect example to remember medieval Rome.
The Tower, known as the Tower of the Monkey, recalls a well-known Roman legend.
It is said that towards the middle of the 16th century, a family of Roman nobles lived in the Palace who traded with the East, and in fact, they had taken a little monkey with them.
A little girl had also recently been born.
One day, however, the little monkey took the baby from the cradle and went to climb the Tower.
The parents, scared that the little girl might fall down, finally, in desperation, invoked the Madonna. And immediately afterwards, they tried to call the little monkey back with a whistle, who finally came down, bringing the little girl home.
The family immediately thought of the miracle and, out of gratitude, had a statue of a Madonna with a perpetual lamp placed on the Tower.
As a sign of devotion, the lamp should never have been extinguished.
In reality, it seems that a clause binds future owners to always keep the lamp lit, and that, in the event of it going out, the sales contract could even be cancelled.
This legend is also mentioned in Hawthorne's novel The Marble Faun.
But above all, we remember with pleasure the poem entitled "Er Palazzo de la scimmia", written by Giggi Zanazzo.

Explore Torre della Scimmia: Historic Monkey Tower in Rome

Discover the exquisite menu offerings at Via dei Portoghesi, Rome's culinary gem.

This vibrant spot near the historic Torre della Scimmia offers a diverse menu that captures the essence of Roman and Italian cuisine, tailored to delight food lovers and travelers alike.

Begin your culinary journey with refreshing salads or traditional antipasti, featuring vibrant fresh ingredients sourced locally to awaken your palate and set the tone for an elegant dining experience.

Savor classic Roman pasta dishes crafted with authentic recipes, alongside expertly prepared seafood and meat options that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Italy.

Indulge in sumptuous Italian desserts, from creamy gelatos to rich tiramisus, each offering a perfect sweet finale to your meal and a taste of traditional craftsmanship.

Complement your dining experience with a curated selection of Italian wines, classic cocktails, and fresh beverages, designed to enhance the delicate flavors of each dish.

 beautifully incorporated into select dishes for an aromatic burst.

 showcasing the best flavors of the Mediterranean.

Discover Torre della Scimmia in Rome! Marvel at its stunning architecture and historic charm. Book your visit now for an unforgettable experience!

Explore Torre della Scimmia, Rome's Iconic Landmark

Metropolitan City of Rome County

Torre della Scimmia (Tower of the Monkey)

Lazio Region

Visit Torre della Scimmia in Rome's historic center. Discover medieval legends, stunning views, and rich history at this iconic tower near Navona Square.

Explore Torre della Scimmia in Rome - Medieval Landmark & Legend

Learn about Torre della Scimmia, a medieval Roman tower with legendary stories and historical significance. A must-see attraction for history lovers in Rome.

Discover the History of Torre della Scimmia, Rome - Iconic Medieval Tower

Plan your visit to Torre della Scimmia in Rome. Explore its medieval architecture, legendary tales, and enjoy the nearby Navona Square attractions today!

Museo/Mostra Leonardo da Vinci - Il Genio le Invenzioni

Opera Lirica di Roma

Galleria prospettica del Borromini