Born and raised in Rome (a real local!), I love to walk around and discover my city since I was a teenager. The love for Rome is the reason why I've studied Classical Archaeology at University of Rome. I've dug for a long period as a archaeologist in the Roman Forum, my second house ;)
I attended the Specialisation School in Archaeological Heritage, an Italian post-degree diploma, and in the meanwhile I started studying to fulfill my dream, becoming an professional tourist guide with a regular certification. . . basically to do what I love (walking around Rome) as a job!

MY QUALIFICATIONS

I've passed the examination, published by the Provincia di Roma (Roman Provincial Administration): I'm a qualified tourist guide of Rome and a Museum Educator at the Vatican. So I'm 100% certified guide, and this is my full-time job. (Please remember that in Italy we must be qualified to work as a guide!)
In Italy, tourist guides are better if local and 100% certified. . genuine as a good wine!

MY STYLE

As an Archaeologist, my specialty is the Roman History and Ancient Architecture.
I love to share my knowdlege and passion, my guided tours are suggested for history lovers. Each tour is a journey through the ages to discover the history of the Roman Empire and its majestic shrines, with me as your guide, ready to reply to all your questions.
If you love history, walking and gelato. . I'm the perfect guide for you!
I'm NOT the right guide for you if you want to see Rome in one day (impossible!) or just tick a box in a list!
I walk slowly and I talk a lot :)

QUALITY is my keyword, a tour with me is often described by clients as an "educational and pleasant experience".

In addition to my credentials, I'm an open-minded, patient and friendly girl. I have a Roman, maybe weird, sense of humour!
I like to consider myself not just a tourist guide, but a PERSONAL tourist guide because my clients are travellers, friends to help and to welcome. . not only a number in the big crowd of tourists.

With me as your personal tourist guide, you'll have an historian and expert at your service, but especially a new Roman friend: we'll discover together famous sites but even local traditions, culture and food (gelato especially!).

MY AVAILABILITY
Please write me a message BEFORE booking, so I can confirm my availability and suggest you the perfect timing and suggestions to avoid lines, the heat or the crowd. Send a message before because Colosseum or Vatican tickets may be unavailable for the day requested. I'll decline the booking if there are no slots left.

MY TOURS
Below, you'll find only a selection of my archaeological walks of Rome and my Vatican tours.
I keep on studying Rome and its history, so more tours on requests!

**Covid-19 in Rome**
At the moment (November 2022):
The wearing of masks, even if not is longer mandatory, is still "strongly recommended" when visiting crowded museums or using public transport. Showing the Green Pass (vaccination certificate) is no longer required.

A Recent Review of this guide

Marisa Ficorella knows the Vatican intimately. She has Vatican certification & years of experience. It would have been impossible for us (2) to navigate the vast area and the crowds. Marisa showed us all the highlights but also gave us a historical perspective of the Vatican as a whole. Marisa knows about all the treasures and all the fascinating details that only a guide with her knowledge can share. It was the best possible way to experience Vatican City
Aida A Iranzo

Read Reviews

Credentials

*Qualified TOURIST GUIDE (Rome)
*Museum Educator and Official TOURIST GUIDE (Vatican City)
*Master of Arts "Cum laude" in Classical Archaeology - University of Rome
*Specialisation School in Archeological heritage (PhD level) - University of Rome

In Rome to work as a Tourist Guide you need a badge/certification.
Touring without this badge it's ILLEGAL!
If during your tour, your guide is stopped by police because she/he is unauthorized, you'll waste money&time.

So be sure to hire only a Professional&Qualified guide, you'll have a better service and a guarantee of legality.
More, you'll help the local economy!

Restrictions

I'm a qualified guide of Rome, I'm permitted to guide in English and Italian Language
I'm not a driver. I provide walking tours, with a special focus on Art and Archaeology.
If needed, we can take taxi to reach the museum/archaeological site