Great photo locations around Rome

Rome is a city full of history and historical monuments, most of them easily accessible and in the open air, plenty of opportunities to take breathtaking photos. Being originally built over 7 hills, it’s also not difficult to find places where it’s possible to observe a beautiful panorama looking at the skyline of the city. The charme of Rome is increased at night, when traffic slows down and there is a more relaxed atmosphere. Below is a selection of 10 locations where to take interesting pictures, with samples of my photos and contributions from other authors.

Hadrian Mausoleum and Pons Aelius bridge

Hadrian Mausoleum, locally known as Castel Sant’Angelo, and his beautiful bridge are an easy target for an ideal photo opportunity. But if you want to capture something special, go down the stairs and reach the sidewalk along the Tiber river, if it’s not flooded. The view from here is impressive, in particular if you come at sunset.

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Hadrian Mausoleum and Pons Aelius bridge by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 23mm - ISO 100 - HDR

View from Castel Sant’Angelo

Visiting Castel Sant’Angelo (Hadrian’s Mausoleum) is an interesting exerience not only because of the building itself, but also because it’s possible to take a beautiful panorama from the top. In particular Saint Peter and Via della Conciliazione are easily seen from here: resist the temptation to stop at the first terrace, and go to the top of the last one, where the view is even better.
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Saint Peter seen from Castel Sant'Angelo, by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 48mm - F-stop: f/5.6 - speed 0.6s - ISO 200 - Tripod: Cullmann Nanomax 250 CW25

The best location to photograph the Colosseum

Car trails at the Colosseum, by CyranoB

Aerial view from Gianicolo

This is the most famous place in Rome for taking panorama pictures and pass some romantic moments with your partner. Find a place in the big square where there is the equestrian monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi, that can be reached walking up a steep road, or using public transportation. Here it’s also possible to practice the tecqnique of panorama stitching described in a previous article, to better capture the view.
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Aerial view from Gianicolo by Captain Harlock

Capitoline Hill

This beautiful square designed by Michelangelo, is worth a stop. A symmetrical composition is working well in this case, since Michelangelo himself decided to build Palazzo Nuovo to give a regular shape to the existing square. Staying on the axis not far from the monumental staircase, it is possible to include the equestrian statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, the big star on the pavement, and the palaces. Shooting at night there will be no problems with the tourists, since the crowds are far from this place at dark.
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Piazza del Campidoglio at night by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 20mm - F-stop: f/7.1 - speed 5s - ISO 200 - Tripod: Cullmann Nanomax 250 CW25

Roman Forum

This is a secret place where it’s possible to have an amazing view of the Roman Forum: after visiting Capitoline Hill, you can take a small road on the right of Palazzo Senatorio that is leading to a small terrace where it is possible to take beautiful night shots or 180° panoramas in daylight. Put the tripod just in front of the railing and enjoy the beauty.
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Roman Forum seen from Capitoline hill by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 31mm - F-stop: f/7.1 - speed 6s - ISO 200 - Tripod: Cullmann Nanomax 250 CW25

The spiral staircase at the Vatican Museum

Spiral staircase at Vatican Museum, by Captain Harlock

Fontana di Trevi

The world famous fountain in Piazza di Trevi in Rome is a must see. To take a good shot,of course after throwing some coins in, it’s better to stay a little bit on the side to give some depth to the picture. It won’t be easy to deal with the thousands of tourists that are here either at day or at night, unless you are brave enough to come here at sunrise. Patiently wait to find a free spot close to the railing on top, so that you can put your tripod and avoid the effect of “family picture”.
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Fontana di Trevi at night by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 18mm - F-stop: f/7.1 - speed 2.5s - ISO 200 - Tripod: Cullmann Nanomax 250 CW25

Piazza di Spagna

Commonly known as Spanish Steps in Anglo-saxon countries, this square represents probably the most central place in Rome. Famous for its monumental staircase, it’s a good place to relax at daylight or to joing the young people, spontaneously singing and playing guitar here at night. A good spot for a picture is just on the side of the central fountain, locally called “Barcaccia”. Usually in the evening the cleaning services are coming and emptying the square, so it will be easy to take an unobstructed picture.
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Spanish steps at night by Davide Vadalà - Pentax K7 - Pentax smc DA 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR - 18mm - F-stop: f/7.1 - speed 4s - ISO 200 - Tripod: Cullmann Nanomax 250 CW25

Palazzo della Cililtà Italiana

Commonly known as the “Squared Colosseum”, this interesting palace is standing on a podium on top of a small hill, making it visible from the surroundings. It’s situated in the district of EUR (Universal Exibhition of Rome), built during fascism in “Littorio” style, and it’s easily reachable with the metro line B. It’s actually best seen from the back with the big staircase leading to it, since the level on the main entrance on the other side is much higher, and the monument is less imposing. To avoid the sun in the front, better to come in the late afternoon, when the sun will be setting on your back.
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Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana by Antonio Savini Antonio Savini