Circus Garden – Rooftop romance

Image by Hotel Fortyseven/Circus website

There’s a certain anticipation as I walk into the Hotel Fortyseven and head straight for the elevator. Once up at the top, I’m welcomed in the the hotel’s lushly landscaped penthouse. The first moment I walk out on the roof garden, I always gasp. I’ve been a Roman all my life, but didn’t imagine how perfect the breathtaking view over Piazza Petroselli could be from up here, nor how gorgeous the round Temple of Hercules can be, seen from above.

My eye scopes past the tree-lined Aventine hill, all the way to the Capitoline, by way of the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, home of the Roman Holiday classic Mouth of Truth monument; and the sensually curved banks of the river Tiber. It’s all there, along with the classic dovetailed rooftops and exquisite geranium-dotted terraces.

With ancient Rome at your feet, fluttering heart and Chef Vito Grippa’s creative Mediterranean cuisine in your plate, you’ll agree with me in electing this as one of Rome’s most romantic spots. Nothing beats the sunset glinting off a perfectly frosted glass of chilled white wine, in anticipation of the seafood extravaganza you’re about to enjoy. I for one love the paccheri pasta with lobster, asparagus and estragon, and the branzino on a crisp spinach salad, with a delightful rosemary and grape-must sauce.

As swallows draw huge circles, swooping in the sky, and the westerly ponentino breeze blows your worries away, drop your shoulders, take in the beauty, and prepare to say yes.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Circus Garden | Relaxing, Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Mains from € 18
Via Luigi Petroselli 47 | City center | +39066787816
12:00 – 15:00 & 19:30 – 23:00 daily

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