Raid dei Fantasmi

A vintage rally on the trail of mystery

The Raid dei Fantasmi is one of the most distinctive events on the calendar of Scuderia Campidoglio, the Rome-based classic car club affiliated with ASI, which carries on the legacy of the oldest Roman automotive association, founded in 1954. The concept behind the event is simple and somewhat poetic: using vintage cars as time machines to reach places that time seems to have forgotten. Deserted villages, isolated fortresses, medieval prisons, and tunnels carved beneath cities: each edition selects a different destination in or around Lazio, exploring it with the help of local guides.

From Rome to hidden Lazio

The format is that of a non-competitive tourist rally, far removed from regularity races. Crews meet early in the morning on the outskirts of Rome, in the northern quadrant of the capital along the Via Salaria, for accreditation and a welcome breakfast. From there, the caravan sets off along a recommended route that avoids major highways as much as possible, favoring the scenic roads of the Lazio countryside. Arrival is scheduled for mid-morning, in time for the guided tour that serves as the cultural heart of the day. The number of crews is intentionally limited—just a few dozen cars—to ensure organized visits and a truly convivial lunch.

Rieti Sotterranea, the 2026 destination

The seventh edition, held on June 13, 2026, chose Rieti Sotterranea in the province of Rieti as its destination. Beneath the historic center of the city lies a network of medieval rooms and Roman substructures linked to the ancient Via Salaria and the reclamation of the plain: arches, warehouses, and covered canals that can now be visited along an hour-and-a-half route, accessible to everyone. It is the perfect setting for a rally that has made underground sites and local legends its hallmark.

Previous editions

In 2025, the Raid dei Fantasmi reached Fumone, a medieval village in the Ciociaria region perched at an altitude of 800 meters, featuring a visit to the castle, its ancient prisons—where, according to tradition, Pope Celestine V was held—and its famous hanging garden. The editions have followed this same spirit: a place off the beaten path, a guide to tell its history and legends, and a table to conclude the day.

• Eligible vehicles: classic and collectible cars belonging to club members and guests
• Format: non-competitive tourist rally with independent travel along a recommended route
• Highlight: guided tour of the chosen historical site
• Closing: social lunch featuring local cuisine

A club, not just an event

Participating in the Raid dei Fantasmi means connecting with the community life of Scuderia Campidoglio, which organizes rallies, trips, and technical meetings throughout the year, and offers members ASI certification services for historic vehicles. The event is also open to non-members for an additional fee and is a great way to get to know the club before joining. The headquarters are located at Via dei Prati Fiscali 258, in Rome.

Why it's worth it

In a region with a wide array of car rallies, the Raid dei Fantasmi stands out because it goes beyond just displaying cars. It is, above all, a cultured pretext to visit—in a single day and in good company—a piece of Lazio that doesn't make it into the guidebooks: a crypt, a castle, or a city beneath a city. Those who love vintage cars but also the lesser-known history of the land will find a balance here that is hard to come by elsewhere.