The sunsets of Rome: six points where the city burns gold
Six viewpoints for every taste: free hills, terraces and that view of the dome of St Peter's.
Rome at sunset is a genre of its own, and most of the chief points are free. Below are six tried-and-tested places, from quiet hills to terraces, in rising order of 'touristiness'.
1. The Gianicolo — the city's chief panorama
The hill above Trastevere, from which the whole centre is seen with its domes. Come half an hour before sunset to take a place at the parapet. Free.
2. The Orange Garden on the Aventine
A quiet garden with an arch of views over the Tiber and St Peter's. Romantic and without the crowd, unlike the centre. Nearby is that famous keyhole of the Order of Malta.
3. The Pincio terrace above Piazza del Popolo
A classic: the square below, domes on the horizon, the sun setting straight behind the basilica. Crowded, but the view is worth it. Free.
4. The Vittoriano terrace
For a small ticket a lift carries you to the roof of the 'typewriter' in the centre of the city. A full 360-degree panorama — from here it is clearest of all how Rome is laid out from above.
5. Castel Sant'Angelo
The upper terrace with a view along the Tiber straight to the Vatican. Ideal in the evening light, and there is nearly always room.
6. Ponte Sisto and the Trastevere embankment
If you would rather not climb the hills: the bridge over the Tiber at sunset gives a soft golden light on the water and the domes. And dinner in Trastevere is right there.
A simple rule: take your place half an hour before sunset; the Roman sun goes quickly.
To tie the views to the untouristed places, the selection where Romans go themselves will help. And to fit the sunset into a full day, the 'Rome in one day' route will do it.
Put the points on a route on the City Map of Rome. In Prime we mark when and where to go for the sunset in each season.
