With Valentine’s Day (or “La Festa degli Innamorati”) just around the corner, where better to whisk your loved one to than Rome? There is something about the city that makes it undeniably romantic.
The destination experts at OMNIA Vatican and Rome, the sightseeing pass for the top attractions in the city, have been on a mission to discover the romantic spots around the city of Rome.
Credits © Jody Sticca
Maybe it’s the fact that Rome is such a sensory experience. Stunning scenery, tantalising food and the sound of Italian, which, as we all know, is the original language of love. And it’s no secret that the light in Rome is magical. The glittering glow of street lamps on cobbled streets, the sun setting behind the ancient temples of the Forum, candles on red-checked tablecloths lighting up the faces of starry-eyed couples. If you want a truly special Valentine’s Day experience, here is a list of both classic and hidden spots perfect for wooing your beloved:
The Roman Forum (and the Temple of Venus and Rome)
The historic ruins of the Forum are a must-see when in Rome. Among them is the Temple of Roma and Amor, thought to have been the largest of ancient Rome’s temples and perhaps the most splendid. Not only that, but it is also the perfect symbol of love in the eternal city. Why? Half the temple was built in honour of Venus, the goddess of love, while the other half was dedicated to the city of Rome itself: the ultimate combination.
Address: Entrance from Piazza del Colosseo
Opening times: Every day from 8.30am to 1 hour before sunset.
Credits © Martin Fisch
The Aventine Keyhole and Orange Gardens
A short walk from Circus Maximus, you will find Aventino: one of Rome’s “seven hills”. Most importantly, it is this one that holds a hidden surprise for those who know where to look. At the top of the hill, peep through the unassuming brass keyhole in the doors of the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta (Priory of the Knights of Malta). You will see a picture-perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by a row of vined arches. Right next door is “Il Giardino degli Aranci” or The Orange Gardens, the perfect place to go on a romantic afternoon stroll. Take in the fragrance of the orange trees as well as the magnificent view across the Tiber River.
Address: Via di Santa Sabina
Opening times: Daily, from sunrise to sunset
Credits © Nicolas Grevet
Credits © Paula Soler-Moya
Appia Antica
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the centre, pack a picnic for two and hit the (2000-year old) road. That is, take your partner on a biking tour of the ancient Appia Antica, the very first road that led to Rome. The 16km stretch of cobbled stones is surrounded by beautiful greenery, and takes you past ancient ruins, villas, catacombs, the Caffarella Valley and the remains of Roman aqueducts. A good place to start your journey is just past Porta di San Sebastiano, where you can also hire bikes.
Information Point & Bike Hire Address: Via Appia Antica, 58
Opening times: Mon – Sat 9.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 5.30pm, Sun 9.30am – 5.30 pm
Credit © Fabiana
Spanish Steps and The Keats and Shelley House
Another must-see attraction often dotted with canoodling couples is the Spanish Steps. Located in the famous and picturesque Piazza di Spagna, it offers a spot to sit down and share a gelato – or climb to the top and gaze across the rooftops of the historic centre. If you feel overwhelmed by the crowds, take refuge in The Keats and Shelley House, just a stone’s throw away. This quaint little museum is dedicated to the English Romantic poets who fell in love with Roma.
Address: Keats and Shelley House: Piazza di Spagna, 26
Opening times: Mon – Sat 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 6pm, Closed Sun
Credits © Paolo Margari
The Gianicolo Hill
The climb to the top of Gianicolo Hill is a little steep but well worth it for one of the most stunning panoramas in Rome. There are several viewpoints along the way, starting with the incredible Fontana dell’Acqua Paola nearby. Also dubbed “Il Fontanone” (literally “the big fountain”), it was built by Pope Paul V to provide water to the local residents. Locals also used to bathe here, and although it might seem like a tempting skinny-dipping spot, bathing in the fountain is now (unfortunately) strictly forbidden.
Address: Via del Gianicolo
Credits © Sergio Battista
Monte Mario and “The Path of Lovers”
Appreciate one more sweeping view of the city from the top of another fabled hill, that of Monte Mario, the highest in Rome. This viewpoint is also known as “the path of lovers”, no doubt due to all the lovebirds that make the romantic pilgrimage to this spot. This is also the home of Monte Mario Observatory, and therefore an excellent place for stargazing with your sweetheart.
Address: Riserva Naturale di Monte Mario
Opening times: from sunrise to sunset
Castel Sant’Angelo and The Tiber River at Night
With moonlit, narrow alleyways and beauty around every corner, Rome is unrivalled when it comes to nocturnal walks. One of the best night time walks is along the Tiber River. You can stroll hand in hand along the edge of the river itself or the streets above. Start from the famous “Mouth of Truth” (Bocca della Verità) and follow the riverside until you reach the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge. Look across the river and you will be able to gaze up at the magnificent, illuminated structure that is Castel Sant’Angelo (built by Hadrian and since used as a fortress and papal residence).
Credits © Giuseppe Moscato
The Trevi Fountain
Anyone who knows the famous scene from “La Dolce Vita” will be acquainted with the iconic romance associated with the Trevi Fountain. Although there’s no denying that it generally abounds with tourists tossing coins into the water, it is still one of Rome’s most seminal and beautiful fountains. It is worth noting that the fountain is currently being restored, so there is no water and it is covered in scaffolding. However, the fountain is still visible and there is a footbridge crossing it, so you can walk close to the fountain façade. If you’re motivated enough to lose a few hours’ sleep, try coming before 6am. This is when the piazza is at its most tranquil and you can share a magical, undisturbed moment in front of Bernini’s masterpiece.
Address: Piazza di Trevi
Credits © Evan Blaser
Credits © Marko
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best preserved and arguably the most stunning building from ancient Rome. Bring your love one here to marvel at the enormous structure from the cobbled piazza outside, or admire the incredible interior, most notably the famous rotunda and oculus: a reminder of the beauty of the cosmos.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
Opening times: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Credits © lank14
The Colloseum
Although it might seem like the most obvious suggestion, a trip to Rome would not be the same without a kiss in front of the Colloseum. Legend has it that if the Colloseum collapses, civilization itself will crumble. As the name suggests, it is colossal and literally the centre of Rome. If you are not planning on going inside, why not come here at night when the piazza is more or less deserted and the beautiful ancient arches are lit up.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Opening times: 8.30am – 6.15pm
Credits © Trey Ratcliff
Credits © Stephanie Kraus
Of course, Rome would not be Rome without its delectable cuisine. To make sure you and your partner get the most out of your stay, here are a few tips to tantalise your taste buds:
Sweet treats at Confetteria Moriondo & Gariglio
It’s a known fact that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Well, a short walk from the Pantheon, you can find Confetteria Moriondo & Gariglio, a heavenly artisan chocolate shop. The Roman poet Trilussa even wrote sonnets in order to express his affection for this little shop in the heart of Rome. Now that’s amore.
Address: Via del Piè di Marmo, 21/22
Opening times: Mon – Sun, 9am – 7.30pm
Credits © Michael Patrick
Wine at Il Goccetto
One of the first wine shops in Rome, this charming little winery is located just off Campo de’ Fiori in the centre of town. With its vast selection of Italian wines and local, friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to charm your loved one over some cheese and vino.
Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
Opening times: Mon 11.30am – 2.30pm, Tues – Sat 8.30am – 12.30am, Closed Sun
Credits © nyccaribbean ragazza
Credits © Steve Driskell
Dinner at Il Margutta
Just a few minutes from the noisy crowds in Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s prettiest roads: Via Margutta. This serene, narrow street is adorned with ivy and speckled with galleries. Dine with your darling at the great vegetarian restaurant-come-art gallery at the bottom of the road. The restaurant, Il Margutta, is perfect for dinner or lunch. The ambience is elegant and intimate while the food is fresh and innovative.
Address: Via Margutta, 118
Opening times: Mon – Sun, 12.30pm – 3pm & 7pm to 11.30 pm