Archives for “Relaxing” tag

This bridge has been around since 134 AD, completed by the Roman emperor, Hadrian. Sandwiched between Castel Sant’Angelo and Lungotevere Tor di Nona, it’s my favorite bridge in Rome. It is a pedestrian bridge, spanning the Tiber river, and it boasts ten angel statues, all different, and all beautiful. Definitely take your time to inspect each angel, since they are all so unique and interesting. (My favorite is the Angel with the Nails).

The bridge, apart from being stunning in its own right, offers a great view of Castel Sant’Angelo, and of south Rome. Whether you stop by at night or day, you will surely appreciate the views. Not to mention, it’s a great spot for a picnic, a photo shoot, or a romantic walk. 

When visiting Ponte Sant’Angelo, you can also get some souvenir shopping done: there are a bunch of gift stands set up on the Castel Sant’Angelo side of the bridge. And since the bridge is not smack in the middle of Rome, and isn’t high on the ‘must-see’ lists of the city, it is never very crowded. All of these factors make for a comfortable sight-seeing and souvenir shopping experience!

There are an infinite number of spots in Rome that are simply stunning. My favorite place to visit to be awed by the beauty of Rome is the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. Found at the point where Via Garibaldi meets the summit of the Gianicolo Hill, the fountain was built in the early 1600s to commemorate the restoration of the Acqua Traiana aqueduct by Pope V. The fountain was built in an effort to bring fresh water to the people of the Gianicolo area, from nearby-to-Rome lake, Bracciano.

Not only is the fountain itself a beautiful structure, but the view of Rome from the top of the Gianicolo hill is amazing. In other words, make sure to bring your best camera to try and capture the panoramic view of the city. Or perhaps, take a trip up there to enjoy the sunset and Rome by night.

There are various buses that take you close to the area (44, 75, 116), although I suggest walking up the hill yourself, stopping at various points for different views. Don’t worry, once you get to the top, there are a few cafes where you can sit, enjoy the view, and relax. The hike up the hill is worth it, trust me!

If it’s not too cold, and you have nothing in particular planned, head over to Piazza Trilussa. Situated in Trastevere, a very popular area of Rome, Piazza Trilussa overlooks the Tiber river and Ponte Sisto. If you don’t know what to do on any given night, you can always grab some food and drinks, and sit on the steps of the piazza.

Named after a famous Roman poet, Carlo Alberto Salustri (pseudonym Trilussa), the piazza has come to be a meeting spot and a nightly hangout for all Romans. During the day you will mostly see people relaxing on the steps, eating their lunches, or enjoying a gelato. By night, the piazza transforms into a huge sea of people: all with cocktails in hand, brought over from the nearby bars.

You can start your night at Piazza Trilussa, or you can stay and hang out with friends, not even realizing the hours as they pass. In spring and summer, it may be hard to find seating on the steps, but there is always enough standing room.

In my opinion, there is something very charming about spending your night in the piazza, among other Romans, enjoying the nice weather, in one of the most beautiful quarters of Rome. It’s definitely a low-cost kind of outing, and nothing beats doing Rome at night like Romans do Rome at night: at Piazza Trilussa.

Alas, the Piazza is currently being renovated, but it’s still worth a visit, and it’s still a great meeting point!

The Trevi fountain is one of the best landmarks of Rome and probably the most famous fountain in the world, a symbol of the “Dolce Vita” period. 

Completed in 1735 by the Italian architect Nicola Salvi, it’s the largest baroque fountain in Rome.

There’s a legend behind this suggestive monument: if visitors throw a coin over their shoulder into the fountain, they will return to Rome one day.

I highly recommend going there late at night because during the day this square is so crowded with tourists and souvenirs sellers that may annoy you (and be careful, a crowded place means pickpockets) and mostly because during the night you’ll breathe in a magical atmosphere. So I suggest going there with a special person so you’ll have the perfect ending to a day in the eternal city. I love sitting there when no one is around and simply watching and hearing the water flow from the statues.

Swimming in it like in the famous scene of the classic movie “La Dolce Vita” is NOT allowed LOL.

Getting there: Metro A stop at Barberini fontana di Trevi or with numerous bus lines that ride Via Del Tritone

Since Rome is built on 7 hills, there are a lot of spots where you can admire an unforgettable sunset. One of my favorites is the Quirinale hill.

I usually pass by that place racing on my motorbike, trying to be on time at some appointment in the city center. But, even if I’m late, when I cross the Quirinale Building, my eyes are captured by that amazing view and I have to stop to admire the landscape.

I have a big collection of pictures taken from that spot but the bests are those at sunset. The sun goes down just in front of you and close to San Peter’s church. You will see the skyline of Rome perfectly drawn by the sun. And if there are some clouds in the sky it’s even better.

This is an amazing spot for a wonderful sunset right in the city center and for a wonderful “postcard-photo” to show to your friends.