In the heart of Vatican City, beneath the towering St. Peter’s Basilica, stands a mysterious Egyptian obelisk. While this place is known worldwide as a center of faith, it also holds a spooky connection to one of Rome’s most famous figures—Julius Caesar. Before it became the religious hub of the world, this area was home to the Circus of Nero, an ancient arena where gladiators fought, and where an intriguing legend began.

The obelisk, originally brought from Egypt by Emperor Caligula around 40 AD, stood at the center of the arena, a symbol of Roman power. But after Caesar's death, it became linked to an unsettling story that has kept people talking for centuries.

When Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 B.C., his body was cremated, and according to legend, his ashes were placed inside a golden sphere that once sat at the top of the obelisk in the Circus of Nero. For more than 1,500 years, people believed that the spirit of Caesar remained trapped in the globe, tied to the obelisk that towered over the ancient arena.

In 1585, Pope Sixtus V ordered the obelisk to be moved to St. Peter’s Square, where it still stands today. During the move, the mysterious golden globe was opened, and to everyone’s surprise—there were no ashes inside. It was just a solid ball of bronze. But while the legend seemed debunked, a new one emerged. Some say that opening the globe released Caesar’s ghost, setting his spirit free to wander Rome.

Since then, there have been countless stories of Caesar’s ghost being seen near some of Rome’s most famous spots. One of the most common places is Largo di Torre Argentina, where he was brutally assassinated. People claim to have seen his ghost roaming the area, especially on the Ides of March, the anniversary of his death.

Another location tied to his spirit is the Roman Forum, where his funeral was held. But perhaps the most haunting sightings happen in St. Peter’s Square, near the obelisk itself. Some say they’ve spotted Caesar’s ghost wandering near the obelisk, as if still drawn to the monument that once held his remains—or so the story goes.

But are your eyes only on St. Peter’s Basilica and the square? Remember, this ground has been a resting place for centuries... So, who else might be lingering in the shadows besides Julius Caesar’s ghost?

Plutarch, the famous Roman historian, also mentioned Caesar’s ghost. He wrote about how Caesar’s spirit appeared to Brutus, one of his assassins, on the eve of the Battle of Philippi. Brutus, already tormented by guilt, claimed that Caesar’s ghost came to him in his tent, saying, “We will meet again at Philippi.” Sure enough, Brutus lost the battle and took his own life soon after.

Even though the golden globe was empty, the legend of Caesar’s ghost lives on. His restless spirit is said to appear when least expected, especially near places tied to his life and death. And let’s not forget the famous line attributed to Caesar’s ghost before the Battle of Philippi, “We will meet again at Philippi,” a chilling reminder of unsettled debts and future reckonings.

So, if you’re in St. Peter’s Square, don’t just admire the obelisk. Keep your eyes open—you might just see Julius Caesar’s ghost making his way through the square, waiting for the next Ides of March.

If you’re interested in a tour about this and other ghost stories of Rome, contact us at info@citylightstours.com!