There are many spots in Rome from where you can take INCREDIBLE photos. And often, the higher, the better! Rome is certainly one of the most photographed cities in the world and you can get great shots here, day or night. Many folks ask me where to go and get the best views…. so here is a brief list – I’m sure you’ll find others!
From the Cupola of St. Peter’s – highest point in Rome
(1) The view from the Cupola of St. Peter’s looking down onto St. Peter’s Square; (2) The view of the Vatican grounds from the Cupola of St. Peter; (3) The view on the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica; and (4) The view In the Constantine Colonade of St. Peter’s Square.
From the Top of the Vittoriano
(Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II)
(1) Looking eastward from the Vittoriano, you see the Colosseo, with the mountains and San Giovanni Laterano in the background… and the ruins of the Basilica of Maxentius in the foreground; (2) Looking westward from the Vittoriano, the Pantheon rises majestically, it’s concrete, spaceship-looking 2nd century dome quite a contrast to the more “modern” rooftops of Rome.
View through the Pantheon Oculus
(1) At night, a shot of the waning moon, through the Oculus of the Pantheon; (2) And conversely, here’s an incredible view of sunlight filtering through the Oculus.
From the top of Palatine Hill
(1) The view of the Forum from the north side of Palatine Hill; (2) And from the south side of the hill, a wonderful view of Circo Massimo in the foreground, and Aventine hill in the background.
From Castel Sant’ Angelo
(1) Incredible photo from Castel Sant Angelo looking towards St. Peter’s Basilica. (Photo from Avisekh’s flickr stream; (2) Looking towards the Vittoriano from Castel Sant Angelo.
The Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)
From Piazza Garibaldi at the top of the Gianiculum
From the top of the Spanish Steps
Day or night, the view from the top of the Spanish Steps is worth climbing for!
The Aqueducts of Rome
Aqueducts that run for miles here in the city limits of Rome. (See our post: Aqueduct Park in Rome)
From the Pincio Gardens, fronting Villa Borghese
A great place from which to enjoy Rome’s picturesque sunsets – this wonderful view looks down upon Piazza di Popolo in the foreground, and the dome of St. Peter’s in the background – WOW!
Piazza of the Knights of Malta
Known affectionately by Romans as the “hole of Rome,” its abiding attraction draws queues of visitors to this peaceable “out of the way” spot. These two shots show the keyhole… and the remarkable view once you look through it.
The lake at Villa Borghese
A wonderful – and romantic – interlude in this busy, busy, city. Head to the Villa Borghese park on a Sunday and enjoy the company of many Italian families. For more info and directions, see our post on Galleria Borghese.
View from Sevelli garden atop the Aventine Hill
The overhang at Aventine Hill provides an incredible view at dusk of the dome of St. Peter’s. One of the most romantic spots in town, young men often come here – at dusk – to propose marriage! And with this view, they’re off to a great start!
Christmas in Rome
(1)Beautiful St. Peter’s Square decorated for the Christmas season! (2) This is my street – just outside our balcony – dressed up for the season! and (3) The Christmas tree at the Spanish Steps! For more Christmas pictures, see our post, Roman Holidays!
A good guidebook can be an incredible resource in your planning and preparation. And once in Italy, it can help you know what your looking at! Above are a few guidebooks on Italy. Click on any of the guidebook images or for more guidebooks of Rome or Italy. For more travel accessories, maps and guidebooks, head to our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for UPF protective clothing at amazon.co.uk.
A good guidebook can be an incredible resource in your planning and preparation. And once in Italy, it can help you know what your looking at! Above are a few guidebooks on Italy. Click on any of the guidebook images or for more guidebooks of Rome or Italy. For more travel accessories, maps and guidebooks, head to our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for UPF protective clothing at amazon.co.uk.
Let Me Coach You, if you’re looking for travel assistance or some help creating an iitinerary! If you want to build your own vacation, please feel free use the information in the articles of the Ron-in-Rome website to help plan your next trip. If you need consulting, head to the Coaching page; For a list of all articles on this website, head to the Postings page. Or use the SEARCH Box, on the top right of each page!
Nice photos! We’ve just come back from Rome and I’ve uses some of the photos I came back with in this free guide…
Free Rome City Guide