Rome from Above: A Panoramic Odyssey from the Terrazza del Pincio and Beyond

Terrazza del Pincio is particularly beautiful at sunset

Your journey to Rome would be incomplete without experiencing the trifecta⭐⭐of Terrazza del Pincio, Piazza del Popolo, and Villa Borghese Park. These three gems, each offering a unique perspective of the Eternal City, can be effortlessly combined into a single, fulfilling excursion.

A Bird's Eye View of Rome from the Pincian Hill (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

On both October 25th and 26th, 2023, we made two visits to Terrazza del Pincio, drawn by its sweeping panoramic views of Rome.

Piazza del Popolo

Upon reaching the Piazza del Popolo, visitors are greeted by a vibrant square brimming with life. The majestic Flaminio obelisk, a towering Egyptian monument that has stood sentinel since the 10th century BC, proudly stands at the center of the square, its hieroglyphics whispering tales of ancient civilizations. On either side of the obelisk, the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli gracefully adorn the square, their Baroque facades adding a touch of elegance and grandeur to the surroundings.

Terrazza del Pincio is located in the middle-top of the photo

The majestic Flaminio obelisk, a towering Egyptian monument

Twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Terrazza del Pincio is located in the middle-top of the photo

Twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Terrazza del Pincio

Terrazza del Pincio is a panoramic terrace located at the top of the Pincian Hill. It offers breathtaking views of the city, including Piazza del Popolo, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Vatican.

The terrace was designed by the architect Giuseppe Valadier in the 19th century. It is made of stone and has a balustrade decorated with statues and vases. The terrace is a popular spot for tourists and Romans, who come here to admire the view of the city. It is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the city is illuminated by the rays of the sun.

Castel Sant'Angelo: A Majestic Guardian of Rome

View of Tiber River from Ponte Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo, an imposing cylindrical structure that stands proudly on the banks of the Tiber River, is an iconic landmark in Rome's rich history. This magnificent monument, initially constructed as the mausoleum of the Roman emperor Hadrian, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the ebb and flow of time, and the ever-changing tapestry of Roman life.

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Ponte Sant'Angelo: A Bridge of Angels

Spanning the Tiber River and gracefully leading towards Castel Sant'Angelo is Ponte Sant'Angelo, a bridge adorned with ten statues of angels. These celestial figures, sculpted by renowned artists, add a touch of divine grace to the bridge's structure. As you traverse this historic crossing, imagine the countless pilgrims and dignitaries who have walked this path before you, their footsteps echoing through the ages.

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Exploring the Majestic Exterior

Encircling Castel Sant'Angelo is Parco Adriano, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. This verdant park offers a welcome respite from the crowds, providing a serene setting to admire the castle's grandeur. Take a leisurely stroll along the shaded pathways, bask in the warmth of the Italian sun, or simply find a quiet spot to soak in the ambiance of this historic site.

A Monument to Bernini's Genius: The Four Rivers Fountain

River Ganges carries a long oar, representing the river's navigability

Piazza Navona ⭐is home to three iconic fountains, each with its unique history and artistic significance:

1. Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers): The most famous and imposing fountain in the square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1651. 
2. Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain): Located at the southern end of the square, the Fontana del Moro was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in the 16th century. 
3. Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune Fountain): Situated at the northern end of the square, the Fontana di Nettuno was completed in 1878 by Antonio della Bitta. 

These three fountains, each with its distinct style and symbolism, have become integral landmarks of Piazza Navona, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance.

The Four Rivers Fountain (YouTube link)

Fountain of the Four Rivers

Fountain of the Four Rivers features four colossal statues representing the four major rivers of the known continents at the time: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia), and the Río de la Plata (Americas). The fountain is surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk, symbolizing the universal reach of papal authority.

From the center of a basin, travertine rocks gracefully ascend to support four majestic river gods. Above them, a replica of an Egyptian obelisk stands tall, crowned by the Pamphili family emblem, a dove clutching an olive twig. This harmonious arrangement symbolizes the four major rivers that span the four continents, each representing the far-reaching influence of papal authority: the Nile, the lifeblood of Africa; the Danube, a lifeline through Europe; the Ganges, a revered waterway of Asia; and the Río de la Plata, a symbol of the Americas.

Sant'Agnese in Agone (Baroque church)

River Ganges (left) and River Niles (right)

River Danube (left) and River Ganges (right)

The Fountain of the Four Rivers with the Obelisco Agonale

Moor Fountain

It underwent modifications by Bernini in the 17th century, who added the figure of a Moor wrestling with a dolphin. The fountain's name derives from the Moorish figure, which was a popular subject in Renaissance art.

Meghan Klemm, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Neptune Fountain

It features a dramatic sculpture of the sea god Neptune battling an octopus, surrounded by sea nymphs and tritons. The fountain's design reflects the Neoclassical style that was prevalent in 19th-century Rome.

A Stairwell to Heaven: Climbing the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

A stunning panoramic view captured and shared by a friend

Early in the morning, I arrived at St. Peter's Basilica. My first priority was to climb the dome⭐⭐. There was a line, but it wasn't too long, and I only had to wait about 15 minutes.

As I ascended, a Japanese girl joined me and eventually overtook me

To climb the dome, you have two options: walk on foot or take the elevator. Everyone in front of me chose the elevator, but I decided to climb the stairs. At first, I was alone, but then a young Japanese girl joined me and eventually passed me.

The first leg of the climb wasn't too bad, but the second leg was brutal. Lots of people take the elevator to the middle for the first leg, then climb the stairs to the summit. There was a tour group in front of me, and I gradually fell behind, except for one girl who kept asking her friends if they were there yet.

At first, there was a handrail, but at the end, it was just a single rope to hold onto

By this point, I was exhausted and could have given up at any time. But after a short rest, I kept going and finally made it to the top. The stairs narrowed and spiraled as I got closer to the top, and eventually became so narrow that I had to bend sideways. At first, there was a handrail, but at the end, it was just a single rope to hold onto. If you're not in good shape, the climb could be a real challenge.

But the view from the top was worth it. I could see the entire basilica below me, as well as the surrounding city and countryside. It was crowded, but I was able to find a good spot to lean against the railing and enjoy the view.

Photo Gallery

These photos were taken on a sunny day, October 26, 2023. They capture the journey from waiting at the ticket office, ascending to the middle level, passing beneath the dome, climbing the second leg, and finally reaching the summit.

There are 13 statues (right) on top of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Ascending the first leg

A closer look at some of the 13 statues

13 statues adorn the summit of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, with Jesus Christ presiding at their center

Gazing up at the dome, we embark on the challenging second leg of the ascent

Intricacies of the Majestic Dome: A Close-Up View

The dome's interior adorned with intricate mosaic work depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints

Angel mosaic in the cupola (Dome ceiling)

Mosaic of St. John

Mosaic of St. Matthew

Palace of the Governorate

Descending via a different path

References

1. The Upper Mosaics of St Peter's—The Cupola and the Evangelists