Where to Celebrate Halloween in Italy

Jana Mascioni
Oct 11, 2019
5 min read

Updated: Dec 17, 2019

Creepy sites in Italy for Halloween tourism

Italians do not traditionally celebrate Halloween in Italy although it has been catching on the past few years. Halloween is rooted in ancient traditions such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrated in Italy on November 1st and November 2nd. The All Saints’ Day in Italy is a national holiday where there is a feast to celebrate the Catholic saints, the following day, All Souls’ Day, is a day to remember loved ones who have passed.

When my husband was growing up in Italy, Halloween was not a "thing." Now, if you visit Italy during October, you may see Halloween costumes and decorations on display in shop windows. Halloween parties have caught on for both kids and adults.

The word for “trick-or-treating” in Italy is “dolcetto-scherzetto”. In some Italian towns, shops in the historic center will give candy out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. If you will be in Italy on Halloween, ask your hotel if they know if there is a place kids can ask for “dolcetto-scherzetto” or ask the shops around the city center.

If you are looking for an adult Halloween Party, look for posters in nightclubs, bars, and restaurants advertising Halloween costume parties.

I’ve listed by location festivals, spooky places and ghost tours in Italy that will make you want to book a flight to Italy for Halloween. The ancient history and medieval towns make Italy the perfect backdrop for a ghost story.

Be warned; some of these sights are not recommended for young children, so do your research before visiting with kids. Just reading about some of these places may spook you.

Borgo a Mozzano – Halloween Celebration at the Devil’s Bridge

North of Lucca, Italy there is a Medieval bridge with a chilling legend. The story goes that the man appointed to build the bridge was unable to finish the job. The man struck a deal with the devil to help him finish the structure. But there was a catch. The devil would own the soul of the first to cross the bridge.

Since 1993 a huge Halloween celebration has taken place at this very bridge. There is an interactive game with vampires, the Passage of Terror, horror movies, zombies, and other supernatural experiences. Get spooked and learn more about it on its website.

Corinaldo – Festa delle Streghe (The Feast of the Witches)

Corinaldo is known as the most beautiful village in Italy and is also known as the Italian Capital of Halloween. Every year since 1998, during the last week in October, the enchanting medieval village of Corinaldo celebrates with artists, music, shows, and food. The historic center of Corinaldo is turned into a haunted village with candles, cobwebs, carved pumpkins and attractions such as the fear tunnel and other scenes of terror. Possibly the most fascinating of events is the “Miss Strega” (Miss Witch) contest that is held where each year a “Miss Strega” is crowned. For more information visit the website missstrega.it or here.

Miss Strega contest at the Festa delle Streghe in Italy

Dolceacqua – Ghost Tour Dolceacqua – Halloween

Dolceacqua, Italy is a beautiful village from the middle ages thought to be haunted by a woman named Lucrezia or "La dama bianca" (The White lady) because of her white dress. The story goes, a bride was placed in an evil count's prison and died of starvation. Since the 1300s the ghost of Lucrezia has been said to haunt the castle and can be heard singing at night. Ghost tours of this area are held frequently for tourists during the summer but what could be spookier than their Halloween guided tour? For more information, check out the website.

Florence – Florence Inferno Halloween Tour

Wander the streets of Florence, Italy Halloween night on a guided two-and-a-half-hour tour. Hear about medieval ghosts while walking through mysterious alleys. Hear scary Florentine stories while also learning about the art and history of the magical city of Florence. Visit the Florence Inferno website for more information.

Lake Garda – Gardaland Park Resort Magic Halloween

The most kid-friendly of all the options, Gardaland is an amusement park, Aquarium and Hotel located adjacent to Lake Garda, Italy. Gardaland is rated one of the top 10 amusement parks in Europe and is the closest thing you will find to Disneyland in Italy. Weekends in October, and on Halloween Gardaland is taken over by Monsters, vampires, witches, pumpkins, and ghosts for their Gardaland Magic Halloween. To learn more, visit their website.

Palermo, Sicily – Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy holds a macabre collection of skeletons and mummified bodies. See the mummified remains of friars, virgins, children, and the painter Velazquez. After resurfacing from the underground, view the Cathedral of Monreale. Visit here for more information.

Rome – Ghosts, Mysteries, and Legends of Rome Night Walking Tour

The ancient city of Rome, Italy, has many stories to tell. As the sun sets on Rome, hear stories where facts and legend have been intertwined. Learn about tales of historical figures that still haunt the city, bringing history and supernatural mysteries to life. Visit the Dark Rome website for more information.

Rome- Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt is located under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini church. The crypt walls are elaborately decorated with bones or friars and poor Romans that were buried here between 1500 and 1870. Some of the skeletons are dressed in the friar’s robes holding crosses, adding to the eerie feeling of the crypt. I recommend purchasing a skip the line tour ticket for a tour with a knowledgeable guide to walk you through this macabre experience. For more information visit here.

Capuchin Crypt in Rome - Image from Get Your Guide

Triora – City of Witches and Halloween Tour

Starting in 1587, the village of Triora, Italy underwent a famine which resulted in blaming “witches” for the misfortune. In the end, three hundred women were accused and questioned. Fifty of them were toured and at least were four burned at the stake.

Today in Triora, Italy there is a Museum "Museo di Triora" that has artifacts from the trials on display as well as reconstructions of the tortures that took place. Throughout the year, Triora capitalizes on their haunting past with witch souvenirs, statues, tours, and a summer witchcraft festival. Halloween in Triora is celebrated with a festive atmosphere including a craft fair, bonfire, music and more. On the day of Halloween, a tour is led through the woods along a path to the alleged meeting place for the witches and the devil where a "toast" to the witches in woods is held. For more information, visit the facebook page.

Turin – Turin Underground Tour

Many people consider Turin, Italy, to be one of the most haunted cities. Visit the underground tunnels and cellars to discover their secrets. Learn about the history of these tunnels as well as their haunting stories of murder and mystery. Visit the Get Your Guide website for more information.

Turin, Italy Underground Tour — Turin Underground Tour - Image from Get Your Guide

Venice – Venice Ghost Tour

Discover stories, legends, and tales of ghosts, devils, mermaids, vampires and more while walking the secret pathways of Venice, Italy. The guide will thrill you with stories showing the details of buildings, tracks left by old ghosts and the mysteries lurking behind the antique walls. For more information, visit the Passeggiate Italiane website.

Your next step in planning your trip to Italy with kids is downloading my Free Travel Planner! Included in the planner is: