View From The Pincio Terrace
Many European cities evoke romance, but Rome, with some 3,000 years under its collective belt, is second to none. Whether you’re whipping through town with a loved one on a Vespa, strolling around the city center, walking along the Tiber with the imposing background of immortal ruins and palaces, or crossing a scenic bridge, there’s plenty of romance to be had in Rome. Here are five of the best spots to experience with your special someone.
Aventine Hill
After your mandatory visit to the Colosseum and challenging your integrity at the Mouth of Truth, round off the long but rewarding day by taking in the stunning scenery from nearby Aventine Hill. We suggest surrounding yourselves in the fresh scent of the Garden of the Oranges that sits behind the 5th-century Basilica of Santa Sabina.
From here, a bird’s-eye view of the city center and the Tiber River all the way up to the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica will unfold before your eyes. Granted, reaching the romantic spot might not be the most straightforward trail, but once you take the narrow, winding alley of Clivio di Rocca Savella from Lungotevere Aventino toward Piazza Pietro d’Illiria, let the crisp fragrance lure you in and enjoy the rest of your day there.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
The best promise you can make to your soul mate during your trip is to bring him or her back to the Eternal City, and you can do so only by tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Noisy and packed with tourists during the day, the baroque fountain becomes quiet and magical after sundown, and the backdrop is a uniquely romantic destination. If you are not yet persuaded, trust the local tradition according to which women make their fiancé drink its water from a new glass as a sign of eternal love.
Villa Borghese’s Pincio Terrace
Arguably one of Rome’s best views, the Pincio terrace at Villa Borghese has dazzled generations of visitors. While this is not Rome’s largest park, it certainly is the most popular, thanks to its central position. Here, your date can start with a picnic surrounded by nature, sculptures and noble palaces turned into museums, such as Galleria Borghese, formerly owned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and now proudly displaying an impressive collection of masterpieces by Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael, among the others.
A hand-in-hand stroll in this monumental, charming garden will lead you to the Pincio right in time for the sunset to give you an intimate moment.
Ristorante Lo Zodiaco
Ristorante Lo Zodiaco
If the secret reason of your trip is to pop the question, what’s a better place to do so than a candle-lit table overlooking one of the best views in town? This can happen at Ristorante Lo Zodiaco, located inside the Monte Mario Nature Reserve, near the Astronomical Observatory of Rome. Classic Italian and international cuisine, fancy cocktails and live jazz music create the perfect atmosphere for what will easily become your most romantic dinner in the Eternal City.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Rivers and bridges exude romance around every corner, and Castel Sant’Angelo never fails to beckon love and courtship. Built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian and situated right in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo has had different purposes over the centuries, from the residence for popes to a prison, even. While it makes for a fascinating monument to visit during the day, after the sun goes down you can walk along the banks of the river and admire the majestic palace lit up for the night, reflecting in the calm water of the Tiber River. Starting from its namesake bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo, every turn will capture you with a new view.
Photos Courtesy of Angela Corrias and Ristorante Lo Zodiaco
