The best panoramic views of Rome

Saint Peter's Dome

An inherently photogenic city, Rome boasts a flawless blend of green parks, cypress trees and ancient to modern architecture. St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see building for any visitor to Rome. This Italian Renaissance church is to be found in the Vatican City. For amazing panoramic views of Rome, and the surrounding areas as Trastevere or Saint Angel Bridge, you can climb all the way up the 551 steps to the top of the dome or you can take the lift and climb the remaining 320 steps. The climb is well worth it, as you discover a 360° degree view of Rome at the top.
Even ascending the steps to the entrance of the basilica rewards you with a good view of St Peter's Square. You can find audio guides and brochures at the information desk that is immediately on your right as you enter through the doorway. Guided tours are also available in a variety of languages. Visit the St Peter's Treasury to view the papal mitres, church ornaments, statues and a diversity of articles gifted to the church by various royal families. There is also a remarkable art collection here. Note that photographs are not allowed and you do have to pay an admission charge for entering the treasury. There is a narrow stairway leading downwards from inside the basilica to the Vatican Grottos, the burial ground beneath St Peter's Basilica. Entry to these are free and they even house the tomb of John Paul II, as well as the crypts of many more former popes. Visit the grottos last as the exit here takes you outside the basilica.

Terrazza delle Quadrighe

The Terrazza delle Quadrighe is an enormous marble monument famed for offering a 360° degree view of Rome. The view is simply breathtaking. There are two glass lifts for taking visitors up to the top. This panoramic view of Rome is all encompassing, as you can observe the grandeur of the Imperial Forums, the magnificence of the Colosseum, the River Tiber, the Jewish Ghetto and the many outstanding churches within the historic centre. You can also see across to Capitol Hill and the Quirinale and as far as EUR, a business and residential district built during the reign of Mussolini. The Castelli Romani, located to the south of Rome, can also be seen from here. The finest view is to the north as there are no tall buildings or hills getting in the way.
The Terrazza delle Quadrighe was built between 1885 and 1911 in Piazza Venezia, as a tribute to the first king of a newly unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. This glacial white marble monument is arguably the best place in Rome for city views. The name of the monument arises from the two gigantic bronze statues depicting a winged Victory on a chariot pulled by four horses. Such a chariot is known as a quadriga. These statues, though completed in 1911, were only placed on the top terrace in 1930.

The Roof Terraces of Rome

There are many rooftop bars and restaurants that offer panoramic views of Rome. Amongst the highlights, the bar on top of the Hotel Raphael stands out, for its laid-back ambience and great view of the Vatican. For unparalleled views over the Colosseum and Michelin-starred cuisine try the Aroma restaurant at Palazzo Manfredi. Wherever you choose, simply relaxing with a glass of wine and taking in a majestic Roman sunset is a sure-fire way to make your trip to the Eternal City a memorable one.

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