Discover our selection of five free and must-see spots from Rome to contemplate the city as a Roman god!
Have you ever heard of Rome, like the city on the seven hills? If so, it is simply because in Antiquity it was founded on seven goals: the Adventine, the Cælius, the Capitole, the Esquilin, the Palatin, the Quirinal and the Viminal, once strategic places to protect themselves from the floods and invaders. Today, beware, nothing to fear if you decide to take height during your visit to Rome. It is even highly recommended, because the reward of the panorama will not disappoint you!
1. Let the Pincio put you in full view
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Wolfgang Moroder
Certainly among the most famous terraces in Rome, the Pincio overlooks the People's Square (Piazza del Popolo) and its monumental obelisk. To get there, nothing simpler, arriving by the adjacent metro, Flaminio, then go to the People's Square and follow the path that goes up on your left in the direction of the park of the Villa Borghese .
In addition, promised, your climbing efforts will not be in vain, because you can enjoy a walk in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, where you can still follow this one to get to the church of La Trinité des Monts at the top of the Spanish square (Piazza di Spagna). This pleasant walk between two of Rome’s most emblematic squares will allow you to enjoy the view throughout the course.
2. Take back the Adventino
Photo credit: Flickr – Sébastien Bertrand
Located between the Circo Massimo and Piramide metros, Mont de l’Aventin remains a relatively spared corner of Rome from tourist groups. Of course, you will always see a few of them go around to see through the famous lock hole, but this area remains a quiet place where it is good to rest in the shade of the parasol pines of the Jardin des Orangers (Giardino degli Aranci – Open from 7am to 6pm in winter and from 7am to 9pm in the beautiful season). It is also at the end of the latter, that you can again admire all the splendour of the eternal city.
3. and 4. Explore Campidoglio and its two points of view
Photo credit: Flickr – Bruno
Just behind the imposing monument of the Place de Venice (Piazza Venezia), built in memory of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, nestles the Place du Capitole. After climbing the 20 steps that lead to the top, immediately head to the right and pass the ark, you will thus reach a small rectangular terrace (Piazzale Caffarelli), offering a charming view on the historic centre and east of Rome. It is the ideal landmark to take a short break in the shade of trees and tourists.
Now come back on your steps, cross the Place du Capitole, bypass the statue of Emperor Marc-Aurèle on horseback, and descend on the right, you will have to pass again under an arch. You will then fall nose to nose with the Forum Romain high. Definite love.
5. Le Gianicolo : point culminant sur Rome
Photo credit: WikiMedia – Gobbler
This last point of view is outside the walls of the Antique Rome and is therefore not part of the famous seven historical hills. Nevertheless, it is one of the highest views of the city, with its 85 meters high, it allows us to contemplate it all. You can reach it by bus (115, 870 – Piazzale Garibaldi) or by foot by the bucolic district of Trastevere, provided you are in good physical condition and leave the heels in the suitcase.
In the centre of the eponymous square, the statue of General Giuseppe Garibaldi, the emblematic hero of Italian unification, occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century. The various marble half-bustes along the promenade pay tribute to the illustrious characters of this period.
Do not hesitate to explore the surroundings of the terrace, so you will enjoy the landscape through various perspectives. On the other side of the street, for example, you see the dôme de la Basilique Saint-Pierre (San Pietro). A little more down, in the direction of Vatican City , you can photograph the statue of Anita Garibaldi, the wife of the General. Not far from there, it is the lighthouse of Rome that will draw your attention. Finally in the direction of Trastevere, via Garibaldi, stop at the foot of the romantic Fontana dell’Acqua paola fountain.
After all these beautiful ascents in Rome, you can say "Come, vidi, vici! » . But above all, remember, in life, everything is a matter of perspective.
And you, what is your favorite view in Rome?
Main photo: Wikimedia – Zoran Kurelić Rabko
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