Rupe Tarpea: Rome's Infamous Cliff of Treachery

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Explore the infamous Rupe Tarpea in Rome, a historic execution site steeped in legend and ancient Roman justice.

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Rupe Tarpea

The Rupe Tarpea, or Tarpeian Rock, is a steep cliff on the Capitoline Hill with a dark past. In ancient Rome, it served as a site of execution for traitors, murderers, and other criminals, who were hurled to their deaths from its heights. The cliff is a reminder of Roman justice and the price of betrayal.

A brief summary to Rupe Tarpea

Via di S. Giovanni Decollato, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00186, IT
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the area around the Capitoline Hill involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Check for ongoing construction or restoration work that may affect access to certain viewpoints.
Visit the Capitoline Museums nearby to learn more about the history of the Capitoline Hill and ancient Rome.
Take advantage of the panoramic views of the Roman Forum and the city from various points on the Capitoline Hill.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Rupe Tarpea using public transport, several bus lines stop near the Capitoline Hill. These include lines 30, 44, 46, 63, 80, 81, 85, 118, 160, 170, 628, 715, 716, and H. Get off at the Ara Coeli/P.Za Venezia or Teatro Marcello stops, which are a short walk from the Capitoline Hill. From Termini Station, take bus line 40 or 64 to Piazza Venezia. A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes on all buses and one metro ride. Alternatively, a 24-hour ticket costs €7, a 48-hour ticket costs €12.50, and a 72-hour ticket costs €18.
Walking

If you are already in the city center, walking to Rupe Tarpea is a viable option. From Piazza Venezia, walk towards the Capitoline Hill. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 5-10 minutes, following Via del Teatro Marcello. The Rupe Tarpea is located on the southern side of the Capitoline Hill, near the Teatro di Marcello. Note that access to the site may be restricted due to construction.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Rome. A taxi ride from Termini Station to the Capitoline Hill typically costs between €8 and €15, plus a €2 surcharge from the station. A short taxi ride within the city center should not exceed €12. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance traveled, with a base fare of €3.50 during the day and €7.50 at night. Be aware of potential surcharges for luggage (€1 per piece) and telephone reservations (€3.50).

Discover more about Rupe Tarpea

The Rupe Tarpea, known in Latin as Rupes Tarpeia or Saxum Tarpeium, is a dramatic cliff located on the southern side of the Capitoline Hill in Rome. This site holds a chilling place in Roman history, serving as aExecution Site where those found guilty of treachery, perjury, murder, and theft met their end. Condemned criminals were thrown from the approximately 25-meter-high cliff (about 80 feet), a symbolic expulsion from the city and a harsh display of Roman justice. The rock's name is linked to the legend of Tarpeia, a Vestal Virgin who betrayed Rome by opening the city gates to the Sabine army in exchange for the gold bracelets they wore. However, the Sabines, upon entering the city, crushed her to death with their shields, a brutal end for her treachery. Over time, the story of Tarpeia and the rock became intertwined with Roman mythology and history, immortalized in the writings of Livy, Plutarch, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. The site remained a place of execution until the 1st century AD, with notable figures like Marcus Manlius Capitolinus, a Roman general condemned for sedition, among those thrown from its heights. Today, the Rupe Tarpea is a historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the darker side of ancient Rome. While access to the cliff itself may be restricted due to ongoing construction, the location still provides stunning views of the city and a unique perspective on Rome's architectural marvels.