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.

Quirinale Hill – Rome view from the presidential palace

The panoramic view from the Quirinale Hill, located right in front of the Presidential Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale), offers one of the most spectacular vistas of Rome. From this privileged vantage point, you can admire the city’s stunning skyline, with its mix of ancient and modern landmarks. The Quirinale Hill provides a unique perspective of several iconic sites, including:

• St. Peter’s Basilica, its unmistakable dome standing tall over the Vatican.
• The majestic Altare della Patria (Vittoriano), the symbol of national unity, located in Piazza Venezia.
• The Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings.
• The twin domes of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Piazza del Popolo.
• The rooftops and bell towers of Rome’s historic churches, which together create the city’s distinctive silhouette.

During sunset, the view becomes even more magical, with the golden light casting a warm glow over the city.

Visit the Presidential Palace and Its Gardens

If you’re visiting the Quirinale Hill to enjoy the view, it’s also highly recommended to explore the Presidential Palace itself. The palace offers an incredible insight into Italy’s political history and stunning architecture. Additionally, the gardens of the Quirinale are a hidden gem, providing a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscaping and fountains. The visit is truly worth it for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

You can organize a visit to the Presidential Palace and its gardens by following the link here: Visit Palazzo Quirinale. Guided tours are available and offer an in-depth experience of this historic landmark.

How to Get to the Quirinale Hill

• From the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna / Metro Line A – Spagna):
  Take a scenic walk along Via della Croce, continuing onto Via di Propaganda until you reach Piazza di Trevi (a short detour to the Trevi Fountain is highly recommended). Then, walk up Via della Dataria to reach Piazza del Quirinale. This walk takes about 10-15 minutes.

• From Piazza Venezia:
  Head up Via del Corso for a few meters, then turn right onto Via della Pilotta. Continue walking towards Palazzo del Quirinale, following signs to the hill. This walk takes about 10 minutes.

Visiting the Quirinale Hill not only offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome but also gives you the chance to step into the rich history and beauty of the Presidential Palace and its magnificent gardens, making it a must-see destination for any traveler to Rome.

Make sure to check out apartments in Rome’s historical center that lie within walking distance of these incredible panoramas!