When we think of ghost stories, we often imagine creepy, desolate places far from the lively city center. But one of Rome’s most famous supernatural legends takes place in none other than Piazza Navona, a bustling hub in the heart of the city. This is the “mysterious” legend of Costanza De Cupis and her phantom hand, still said to appear behind the windows of Palazzo De Cupis during the full moon.

In the early 1600s, Costanza Conti, a woman admired for her beauty, married into the noble De Cupis family and moved into Palazzo De Cupis, a family residence on Via dell’Anima, just off Piazza Navona, next to the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Costanza’s hands were particularly admired for their perfect form, so much so that a local artist asked her permission to create a plaster cast of one. The cast was displayed in his studio, drawing widespread admiration from visitors and locals alike.

However, this adoration was soon overshadowed by a dark prophecy. One day, a visitor—some say a foreigner or a monk—saw the plaster cast and predicted, “The woman to whom this hand belongs will lose it soon.” The ominous warning reached Costanza, and she was gripped with fear. Consumed by anxiety, she withdrew from social life, haunted by the idea that the prophecy might come true.

Sadly, her fears were not unfounded. While sewing one day, Costanza pricked her finger with a needle. The small wound became infected, and what started as a minor injury escalated rapidly. Her once-praised hand became swollen and covered in painful sores. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, her hand had to be amputated. Yet, even that wasn’t enough to save her—Costanza soon succumbed to the infection.

The story, however, does not end there. Legend has it that Costanza’s ghost continues to haunt Palazzo De Cupis. On nights of the full moon, a pale, ghostly hand is said to appear behind the windows of the palace, illuminated by the silvery glow of the moon. Locals claim to have seen the spectral hand floating behind the glass, a weird reminder of the tragic fate that befell Costanza.

This October 17th, a full moon will light up the night sky, and it’s not just any full moon—it’s a supermoon, the brightest and largest of the year. Many believe this is when the ghostly hand of Costanza is most likely to appear. As the moonlight bathes the windows of Palazzo De Cupis, you might just be able to witness the odd phenomenon.

So, if you find yourself in Piazza Navona on the night of October 17th, don’t forget to look up at the windows of Palazzo De Cupis. You may just catch a glimpse of the phantom hand that has haunted Rome for centuries.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a night of spooky history and ghostly sightings. This might just be the night you witness Costanza’s legendary ghostly hand.

Intrigued by these ghostly tales? If you want to delve deeper into the legends of Ancient Rome, our Mystery and History Tour is the perfect fit. Email us at info@citylightstours.com for more details and to secure your booking. We can customize the tour to suit your specific interests, giving you a unique perspective on Rome’s mystical history.