Visit some of the best panoramic views of the ancient city to see iconic buildings.
Rome is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is often referred to as The Eternal City. But don’t let that fool you, because Rome has so many beautiful sights and is so worth visiting. You can expect some incredible panoramic views. There are many great locations where you can go for the best panoramic views of Rome, and we summed them up for you.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
The Dome in St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, has incredible panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome. You will overlook St. Peter’s Square and you can see for example impressive buildings, homes, trees, the River Tiber, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
To reach the first level of the Dome, you will need to enter the Basilica and take the stairs or use the lift. From the first level, you can walk out onto the roof and get some incredible views.
But to get the panoramic views, you must climb up to the very top! As you’re reaching the top, the staircase becomes a spiral and there’s even a rope that you’ll have to hold onto. As you’re at the top of the Dome, you’ve reached one of the highest views you can get of Rome and Vatican City.
To avoid the long queues, we recommend going early in the morning, when the basilica just opens its doors.
Pincio Terrace
The best time to see a panoramic view from Pincio Terrace is during the golden hour, at sunset. You’ll be in front of the Piazza del Popolo, which is Rome’s oldest obelisk, which is the Obelisk of Constantius. In the distance, you will also see the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pincio Terrace is on Pincian Hill, and the terrace is connected to the Borghese Gardens via a bridge.
Orange Garden on Aventine Hill
From this viewpoint, you’ll get views of historic buildings and greenery from the trees. But the most iconic building you can see from here, even if it’s in the distance, is St. Peter’s Basilica over in Vatican City. You can easily spot the basilica from the iconic Dome that Michelangelo designed.
After you have seen the beautiful greenery and panoramic views over Rome, you can spend an hour or two relaxing or having a picnic at Orange Garden.
Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
On top of Janiculum Hill is where you will find Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi. The hill is close to the city centre and has beautiful 360-degree panoramic views over Rome.
You will be able to see some of the most iconic buildings in Rome from this viewpoint. Think of the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Altar of the Fatherland.
There are also many other places to visit on top of the hill like monuments, a lighthouse, and fountains.
Altar of the Fatherland
Get some of the best panoramic views as you make your way up to the top of the Altar of the Fatherland in a glass elevator. Once at the top, you’ll be able to see historic buildings in Rome like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Beautiful Rome has some breathtaking panoramic viewpoints that are looking across the ancient city. You’ll find that the best time to go to these locations is during sunrise or sunset. But even during the day, you will have a clear view overlooking Rome.