An amazing city as Rome worth to be visited following an itinerary including the best scenic views: the charm of the Eternal City, in fact, is disclosed by its seven hills and other spots where you can soak up the sights and enjoy an exclusive travel experience.
The following recommendations are provided by the staff of Wonder Where To Stay, a vacation rental agency in Rome.
I think these are the 10 most stunning scenic spots: each one has its peculiar beauty!
The Farnese Gardens
Many people don’t know that in Rome there are the first private botanical gardens created in Europe: the Farnese Gardens, located at Via di san Gregorio 30, upon the Palatine Hill.
The Cardinal Alessandro Farnese called these gardens Horti Farnesiani, a reference to the “hortus conclusus” (enclosed garden in Latin), term derived from the Canticle of Canticles Vulgate Bible.
Today there is only a remnant of the gardens, because most was destroyed by archaeological excavation. Take note that you can visit Colosseum and the Imperial Fora with same ticket of Farnese Gardens: Info: www.beniculturali.it
Villa del Priorato di Malta
If you’ve seen the movie “The Great Beauty” by Paolo Sorrentino, you should know that one of the movie sets is the Villa del Priorato di Malta, located on Aventine Hill. I suggest taking a walk from Circus Maximus and reaching the piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, a very romantic corner just in the historic center of Rome.
The Villa is renowned for its keyhole because an optical effect allows seeing the Saint Peter’s dome very close, framed by the tops of trees in the foreground. To visit the Villa is required a reservation, guided tours in English language are available.
Casina Valadier
Casina Valadier is an elegant restaurant but is included in this list because of its terrace: the building boasts neoclassical architectural style and dates back to XVII century.
Do you want to have an aperitif or a dinner admiring two wonderful Roman attractions ? At Casina Valadier you can see the Trinità dei Monti church and Villa Borghese garden from the top of Collis Hortulorum, the highest point of Pincio.
Palatine Hill
During my stay in Rome I discovered that the word “palace” derives from the Palatine Hill, the centermost of the Seven Hills of the Eternal City.
I liked a lot the view from the Palatine, which stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum and is close to Circus Maximus. This spot is very important for Rome mythology: here, according to the legend, Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf, so the city has its origins just in this area.
Archaelogists say that Palatine Hill was populated since the X century B.C.
Don’t forget to visit this place during a walk in the center of Rome!
Pincian Hill
One of my favorite places in Rome is Pincio (Pincian Hill) because is, at the same time, one of the most popular panoramic points of the city and an area where are located very enchanting buildings such as Villa Medici (the French Academy), Galleria Borghese and Villa Ludovisi.
I suggest going to Pincio to see Piazza del Popolo from above, explore Villa Borghese following the pedestrian bridge, then continue towards Porta Pinciana and arrive at the top of Via Veneto, the street worldwide known for its elegant restaurants and for being the set of La Dolce Vita movie.
Lo Zodiaco
This is the most stunning panoramic point in Rome according to romantic people. From the top of Monte Mario (139 meters high) you can enjoy a great view of Rome, including Foro Italico and Flaminio district.
The name of this overlook is Lo Zodiaco and even Goethe appreciated the glimpses that you can see from here. This spot is located in Northern Rome and the climb it’s hard, but you won’t forget the amazing panorama once you got at the top!
The Terraces of the Vittoriano
One of the first places I visited in Rome was the Altar of the Fatherland at Piazza Venezia: this monument is dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II but the most remarkable feature is its terrace on top.
Go to the top of the monument it’s easy, you can take the glass lift and the enjoy the breathtaking view from the Terraces of the Quadrigas: you’ll see the most beautiful churches of the historic center, the Colosseum, the Jewish Ghetto and the Quirinal Hill, where there is the official residence of the Italian Head of State.
The ticket of the elevator costs 7 € per person and the last admission is usually at 6:45 pm.
The Garden of Oranges
On the top of Aventine Hill there is a park that can be defined a daydream. It’s a small garden called the Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci) and from here you can see the squared dome of the Great Synagogue, the Tiber Island and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The Garden is open from dawn to dusk and is reachable by foot from Colosseum.
I recommend to choose this spot if you want to amaze your partner or for a love declaration.
Caffarelli Terrace
For a luxury experience in the heart of Rome, I suggest a visit to Terrazza Caffarelli, a restaurant on the top of the building that houses the Capitoline Museums (recommended if you like Ancient Rome).
You can access the Terrace also without the ticket of the museums and here you can enjoy Rome from the Capitoline Hill, embracing with a view the Ara Coeli and the Roman forum. Caffarelli Terrace also houses special events, ceremonies and photo shootings.
Janiculum Hill
In my opinion, the view from Janiculum is the most impressive in Rome: follow the long panoramic walk, and then take a break at the Gianicolo hill; in a sunny day, you can see the mountains of the Apennine chain, the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo and other very popular sights.
To reach Janiculum you can hike for about 40 minutes from Trastevere, a district always crowded of tourists.
I’m used to define this spot heavenly, so don’t miss a stop here when you’ll go on vacation in the Eternal City.
