5 Panoramic Views in Rome

Ever since the Ancient foundations of the city, Rome has been known as the city built on seven hills. Throughout the years, this original citadel has grown and expanded even further into the countryside, meaning it now covers a much larger area than its original seven hills. As a result, we know have an incredible variety of views that give out onto various parts of the city. This is one of the best ways to take in this unique capital, especially come sunset when the evening light paints this Eternal City in warm reds, pinks and oranges. Below you will find five wonderful spots to enjoy panoramic views in Rome.

Gianicolo – Janiculum hill

The view from the Gianicolo Hill is one of the most diverse and far-reaching as such a wide section of the historical center lies just in front of it. Every day at noon, a cannon goes off from here to proclaim the time of day. This has happened every single day for the past 165 years, only having been interrupted once! The hill lies just behind the characteristic Trastevere area. You can spend a lovely evening in this area, enjoying the sun set over St Peter’s Basilica, then heading down the hill to one of the many restaurants and bars that populate the area.

Some of the sights you can spot from the ‘piazzale’ at the top of this hill include the Pantheon, the Altare alla Patria, Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. You can easily walk up this hill, either taking the steep stairways, or taking a slightly longer route along the roads.

Orange Gardens on Aventine hill

This park lies at the top of the Aventine Hill, where you will also find the Santa Sabina church. Just a little further along you can also find a certain keyhole in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. This is famous for framing the St Peter’s cupola perfectly. This is one of the seven original hills in Rome, and looks out over the Tiber and the west of the historical center. Moreover, the view is surrounded by a paradisal garden which offers many shaded spots under its trees. It is thus one of the most tranquil panoramic views in Rome. This is a great place to spend an hour or two reading your book or picnicking after you have gazed out over this magnificent city.

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

Should you visit the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica, do not forget to take advantage of the chance to go up to the Dome of the cathedral. From here you will find yourself looking down at a piazza full of tiny specks of people. This is one of the highest views you can get in Rome. It thus gives out over the whole of the north of Rome, including the Prati, Spagna and Colonna districts. Just in front of you lies the beautiful Piazza San Pietro with the towering obelisk and the boulevard-like Via delle Conciliazione.

Unfortunately, queues for this view can be incredibly long, so make sure to arrive well ahead of time. In summer it is best to arrive very early in the morning. This way you can beat both the heat and the crowds of tourists! The climb lasts an astonishing 551 steps. Paying a little extra, you can take an elevator halfway, leaving 230 steps to climb. Nevertheless, the effort is well worth it for this, one of the best panoramic views in Rome.

Pincio – Rome view from Villa Borghese

This terrace lies within the equally gorgeous Villa Borghese park. It faces the west, so come here at sundown to enjoy seeing the city at golden hour! Directly below the terrace you will see the Piazza del Popolo, and beyond that the charming Prati district. The main sight to be had here is that of the dominating Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican. After taking in this sweeping vista across Rome, you can take a quiet and relaxing stroll around the regal spaces of this beautiful park. This is undoubtedly one of the most romantic panoramic views in Rome.

Il Vittoriano – Rome view from Piazza Venezia

For the 360° Rome view, make your way to Piazza Venezia, where you will find the Il Vittoriano monument. This was a rather controversial project as it triggered the destruction of a medieval neighborhood atop of the Capitoline Hill. To this day, many Romans consider the building to be pompous and overly conspicuous. Since 2007, however, it has offered a panoramic platform. To reach the platform you will have to take an elevator for 7€ per person. It is open until 16:30 during the winter months and 17:30 during the summer months. The last entrance is half an hour before closing time. From this space you can look straight down the famous Via del Corso, through to the Piazza del Popolo at the other end.