Rome is something to behold from just about any angle. However, as is so often the case, the best view of Rome is a bird’s eye view– preferably at sunset. But where should you set your romantic Italian Kodak moment? Here’s a run-down of Dark Rome’s favourite sunset spots, our Top 5 Views of Rome
Most sacred – The Cupola in St. Peter’s Basilica.
After the steep climb up the stairs, the view of Rome from the Cupola (or dome) is a sight for sore eyes. The wide, open space of St. Peter’s Square is flanked on every side by immaculate stonework in grey, white and terracotta.
For those that battled all 312 steps on their way up, there is a huge sense of achievement in earning this snap – a worthy addition to their photo albums. Then again, even those that took the elevator part of the way had to tackle some of the stairs, but getting that bit closer to Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the inside of the dome certainly makes the journey a little easier.
The Cupola can be visited independently at the conclusion of any of our Vatican tours. Access is €6 for those willing to take the stairs the whole way up and €7 to take the elevator part of the way. Follow the signs from the entrance of the Basilica directing you to the right side of the portico.
Most colourful – Giardino degli Aranci
Giardino degli Aranci, also known as The Garden of Oranges is one of the top spots from which to view Rome. Tucked in behind the Basilica of Santa Sabina and beside the Piazza Pietro d'Illiria, from this elevated and tranquil spot, visitors can catch sight of the sun bouncing against Rome’s terracotta roofs, the grand curves of a dozen Basilicas puncturing the skyline.
The Giardino degli Aranci area is also a nice spot to visit for Giacomo della Porta's fountain in the Piazza; the remains of the Savelli Castle walls; and of course the beautiful orange trees that populate the garden.
Most quiet – Gianicolo
Watching the sunset over Rome whilst dangling your legs over the edge of a wall in the Gianicolo is one of the most relaxed and rewarding ways to end a day in Rome. The Giancolo, or Janiculum, is the hill in Rome that affords the best view of the city. Situated just outside the Ancient City, west of the Tiber, the hill is technically not one of the city’s famous seven hills but who cares when you have such a stunning and peaceful view all to yourself (the silence atop the hill is broken daily at 12:00 PM when the cannon is fired).
And while you’re up there, why not get a better grasp of Roman history, looking at the busts of Risorgimento (resurgence) heroes scattered around the hill.
Most powerful – Campidoglio
Campidoglio, The Capitoline Hill, on the other hand, is one of the seven hills of Rome – the smallest of the seven. Since the city’s foundation 2,500 years ago Capitoline Hill has been the political centre of the city, and usually of the entire Roman empire. In its day it has held the most important temples, housed the most important citizens and acted as the home of parliament. An outdoor space designed by Michelangelo, the hill is now home to many Medieval and Renaissance palaces and the Capitoline Museums. As you survey the land before you -- remember that you are in good company – this is a view that has long been admired by Rome’s leaders.
Capitol Hill is visited on two Dark Rome tours – the Ancient Rome and Capitol Museums tour and on our Skip the line: Best of Ancient Rome Full Day tour.
Most atmospheric – Palatine Hill
You don’t get much older or more historic than the Palatine Hill. The centremost of the seven hills of Rome, the Palatine Hill has pride of place overlooking the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and of course, the Colosseum. This is the spot where Rome was founded, where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf and where kings and emperors chose to build their houses – of course it’s included in our list!
You can visit Palatine Hill as part of our Skip the Line Colosseum and Ancient Rome tour or our Early Bird Semi-Private Colosseum Tour.