Discover our selection of five free, must-see spots in Rome to gaze upon the city like a Roman god!
Have you ever heard of Rome as the city of seven hills? If so, it’s simply because, in ancient times, Rome was founded on seven hills: the Aventine, the Caelius, the Capitoline, the Esquiline, the Palatine, the Quirinal and the Viminal, all of which were once strategic points of protection against floods and invaders. Today, rest assured, there’s nothing to fear if you decide to take in the sights during your visit to Rome. In fact, it’s highly recommended, as the panoramic rewards won’t disappoint!
1. Let Pincio blow your mind
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Wolfgang Moroder
Certainly one of the best-known terraces in Rome, the Pincio overlooks the Piazza del Popolo and its monumental obelisk. Getting there couldn’t be easier: take the adjacent metro station, Flaminio, then head for Piazza del Popolo and follow the path up on your left towards the Villa Borghese park.
What’s more, you can enjoy a stroll through the gardens of the Villa Borghese, or walk along the Villa to the Church of the Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). This pleasant stroll between two of Rome’s most emblematic squares will allow you to savor the view along the way.
2. Take a step back at the Aventino
Photo credit: Flickr – Sébastien Bertrand
Situated between the Circo Massimo and Piramide subway stations, the Aventine hill is still a corner of Rome relatively untouched by groups of tourists. Of course, you’ll always see a few jostling to see through the famous keyhole, but it’s still a quiet spot where you can relax in the shade of the umbrella pines of the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci – Open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer). At the end of the latter, you can once again admire the splendour of the Eternal City.
3. and 4. Explore the Campidoglio and its two viewpoints
Photo credit: Flickr – Bruno
Just behind the imposing monument of Piazza Venezia, built in memory of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, nestles Piazza del Campidoglio. After climbing the twenty or so steps to the top, immediately turn right through the archway to a small rectangular terrace (Piazzale Caffarelli), offering a charming view of the historic center and eastern Rome. It’s the ideal spot for a short break in the shade of trees and tourists.
Now retrace your steps across the Piazza del Campidoglio, around the statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback, and down to the right, again passing under an arch. You’ll then come face to face with the Roman Forum as seen from above. You’re sure to fall in love.
5. The Gianicolo: the highest point in Rome
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Gobbler
This last viewpoint lies outside the walls of ancient Rome and is therefore not part of the famous historic Seven Hills. Nevertheless, it’s one of the city’s highest vantage points, at 85 meters high, allowing us to contemplate the entire city. It can be reached by bus (115, 870 – Piazzale Garibaldi stop) or on foot through the bucolic Trastevere district, provided you’re in good physical condition and leave your heels in your suitcase.
At the center of the eponymous square stands the statue of General Giuseppe Garibaldi, the emblematic hero of Italian unification in the second half of the 19th century. The various marble half-busts along the promenade pay tribute to the illustrious figures of the period.
Feel free to explore the surrounding area from the terrace, taking in the scenery from a variety of perspectives. Across the street, for example, you’ll see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (San Pietro). A little further down, towards the Vatican, you can photograph the statue of Anita Garibaldi, the General’s wife. Nearby, the Rome Lighthouse will catch your eye. Finally, on your way to Trastevere, on Via Garibaldi, stop at the foot of the romantic Fontana dell’Acqua Paola fountain.
After all those beautiful climbs in Rome, you’ll be able to say « Veni, vidi, vici! But remember, life is all about perspective.
What‘s your favourite view of Rome?
Main photo credit: Wikimedia – Zoran Kurelić Rabko