Viewpoint in Rome. Where can I enjoy the best views of Rome, a panoramic view over Rome? This is a common question for visitors to Rome. Where to find the most beautiful spots to look over the Roman capital is revealed in this article.
The best viewing points in Rome: Where to enjoy a nice view over Rome
1. Viewpoint in Rome: II Vittoriano in Rome
The colossal monument Il Vittoriano was built in honor of the first Italian king Victor Emmanuel II and has become an integral part of Rome.
The immense construction of white marble stands next to the imperial forums and has been given nicknames such as “typewriter”. Indeed, viewed from above the building resembles a giant typewriter. At the Piazza Venezia is the entrance to a panoramic elevator made of glass that takes visitors to the terrace of the Il Vittoriano. From a height of 65 meters you have a great panoramic view of all important monuments in Rome.
Entry fee and opening times: The entry fee to the terrace of the Il Vittoriano is 7 euro for adults and 3,50 euro for children ages 10 to 18. The monument is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – Viewpoint in Rome on the cupola in the Vatican
From the cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica visitors have a wonderful view of the Vatican, the Castel Sant’Angelo and the city of Rome. Especially in the afternoon and evening hours at sunset, there’s a special light that can be best enjoyed from St. Peter’s Basilica.
But not only does the cupola offer a breathtaking view from the exterior, but also in the interior. However, climbing up the dome is a bit difficult with 551 stairs (or 320 with the elevator).
Entry fee and opening times: The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is open everyday from 8 am to 6 pm. In the winter it closes at 5 pm. Access is not allowed during masses in the basilica. The basic entry fee is 5 euro and 7 euro if you want to take the elevator.
3. Viewpoint in Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo provides another good viewing point of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica. The castle was originally built as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian before it came under the possession of the Pope. Today the Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum.
It offers several terraces from which the visitors can overlook the city of Rome. Also easy to spot is the escape route of the Pope which leads from the Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican.
Entry fee and opening times: The entry fee to the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is 8,50 euro for adults and 6 euro for children under 18 years. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
4. The park at the Piazza del Popolo in Rome
The Piazza del Popolo is a huge square and a popular meeting point in Rome. From here you have access to the terrace of a park in which the Borghese Gallery stands.
The terrace offers a breathtaking view of Rome. Especially at sunset and on mild summer nights Romans as well as tourists come to enjoy the special view over the city. At the same they can observe the vibrant life on the Piazza del Popolo.
5. The Palatine Hill in Rome
The Palatine Hill is one of seven hills in Rome. It is considered the most significant hill because according to Roman tradition, it was the founding place of Rome by Romulus on April 21st, 735 BC. Many national celebrations are held in Rome on this particular day.
Over the centuries, the Palatine Hill was a coveted place for aristocrats. The emperor Augustus had a huge palace built on it. Today there are only sacked remains of his palace. The observation terrace offers a view on the antique remains of the Forum Romanum, the Capitol and the Il Vittoriano monument.
Entry fee and opening times: To access the observation terrace on the Palatine Hill, it is necessary to buy a ticket. Adults pay 12 euro and children under 18 pay 7,50 euro. However, the ticket also includes entry to the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum.
6. Aventin Hill in Rome
The Aventin is the seventh hill and lies furthest to the south in Rome. It is accessible from the Circus Maximus. If you climb the hill on the Via di Santa Sabina, you will encounter at mid height an orange garden with stone banks and in particular, a fantastic view over the Tiber, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Roman district Trastevere.
But the climb continues to the world’s probably most famous keyhole, or “Il buco” in Italian. Through the keyhole you have a unique view directly onto the cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica. They keyhole “Il buco” belongs to a big gate which encloses the Santa Maria del Priorato church and the seat of the Order of the Malta.
7. Gianicolo Hill in Rome
The Gianicolo hill is 82 meters high and lies outside the city center of Rome. It’s not part of the seven hills. Nevertheless, it is perhaps the best place to view Rome from above.
Gianicolo offers a view on all Roman sightseeings as well as the seven hills on which the city was built. You will have the best view from the Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi at the Garibaldi monument. It is accessible from the district Trastevere via the Passeggiata di Gianicolo, small passage that leads up to the hill.