Paris is not the only city in Europe where romance is at home. If you want your love to blossom amidst rich historical heritage and surreal cultural icons, then Rome is the place to visit. There are lots of romantic places and activities in Rome for every type of couple. If you’re looking to honeymoon in Italy and plan to explore its beautiful capital city, then these ideas will take you to places where your love can blossom and grow.
Assuming you’re in love with your partner and want to go on a sweet getaway somewhere far from home, Rome is a great option. And it doesn’t necessarily have to happen on Valentine’s Day because Rome is a year-round, all-season destination. Thanks to almost ten months of beautiful weather, it’s easy to find romance in Rome. As for the other two months – all you need is a little creativity. After all, it’s not for nothing that the saying “All roads lead to Rome” came about.
From Rome’s iconic sites, such as the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), to the modern-looking hotels, restaurants, and shops, Rome is still a dream destination for those in love with history. Who says archaeological sites aren’t romantic? You can discover Rome on the go by taking the Hop On – Hop Off tourist bus, and it will seem even more beautiful!
The city of the seven hills, crossed by the Tiber river, also enchants us with its bohemian street terraces, where polite waiters wait for you on the doorstep and invite you to sit down, or the narrow streets with old cobblestones where it’s a real delight to wander. Picturesque squares and piazzas, palaces, living or stone statues, and talented painters who deliver your portrait in record time. And many other options, depending on the weather and, of course, on your imagination. But… which are the most romantic sites of Rome where your love will bloom? Let’s see:
Throw coins in Fontana di Trevi
Do you remember Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and the famous scene in which Anita Ekberg enters the Fontana di Trevi at night under the eyes of Marcello Mastroianni, who then followed her to unveil one of the most erotically charged moments in cinema history?
The Trevi Fountain, located at the end of Aqua Virgo, is designed as a monumental triumphal arch, known as the largest baroque fountain in Rome – 25.9 m high and 19.8 m wide. With the marble statue of Neptune – God of the Sea, surrounded by two Tritons, its spectacular artwork, and its quiet baroque art, tourists and especially couples, make it one of the romantic places to visit in Rome. You can see couples strolling around the square sipping their cocktails at the surrounding cafes.
Even though the place is usually very crowded, it retains its romance, which can start with the tossing of coins into the fountain. This custom is said to bring good luck and will keep you coming back to revisit this architectural gem of Rome. But, remember: it is important to know how to toss the coin correctly. With your back to the fountain, toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. Throw the second coin to ensure you return to Rome after expressing your wish with the first one.
The best time to visit Fontana di Trevi is early evening when the blue evening light mixes with the bright street lights and, together with the fountain, creates a romantic scene.
Walk on Janiculum Hill, the place where Caesar and Cleopatra burned their love
Cleopatra’s influence on Rome’s culture, fashion, religion, and private life was both admired and hated during her Rome stay.
Julius Caesar was enchanted by her intelligence, high education, and verve, even though she wasn’t as beautiful as many think she was.
The Horti Caesaris, also known as Caesar’s Gardens, was the site of Caesar’s and Cleopatra’s most famous love story in Roman history.
How romantic would it be to walk on the same steps where the legendary couple made their eternal oath and celebrated their love? Furthermore, there is no better view from Janiculum Hill itself.
Janiculum was a centre for the cult of the god Janus. In Roman mythology, Janiculum is the name of an ancient city founded by the god Janus, the two-faced god of the beginnings. Although second in size, Janiculum was not among the proverbial seven hills of Rome, being west of the Tiber and outside the borders of the ancient city.
Among the attractions on Janiculum is the church of San Pietro in Montorio, built on the site where St Peter is believed to have been crucified; the small shrine known as the Tempietto, designed by Donato Bramante, marks the site of Peter’s death. Janiculum also hosts a Baroque fountain built by Pope Paul V at the end of the 17th century, Acqua Paola, and several foreign research institutions.
(Un)lock your love on Ponte Milvio
Ponte Milvio (Milvio Bridge) is one of the oldest and, historically, most important bridges in Rome, at which, in addition to the “Cassia” and “Flaminia” roads, the “Clodia” and “Veientana” also converged. Its origin probably dated back to the 4th-3rd centuries B.C. and was initially made of wood; it was later rebuilt from scratch and took its name from the magistrate who authorized its masonry construction, one “Molvius,” hence “Molvio” and then Milvio.
For the Romans, however, it is the “Mollo bridge,” a designation that, according to tradition, would derive from the fact that in ancient times it sprung! Rebuilt in 220 BC at the time of the opening of the Via Flaminia, it was restored in 109 BC by the censor Marcus Aemilius Scaurus.
It is an important bridge between Roman history and Christianity, as it is linked to the conversion of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, following the vision of the Cross on the eve of the battle (312 A.D.) he won, by which he wrested the imperial title from Maxentius.
There was a custom of locking a padlock on the lampposts or grates of the bridge parapets engraved with the initials of the lovers’ names and then throwing the key into the Tiber River.
This tradition, which became famous thanks to the film “Ho voglia di te” based on Federico Moccia’s novel of the same name, has now spread all over the world. Unfortunately, since 2012, the padlocks have been removed as a matter of urban decorum. But love is in the air, anyway. There are many cafes near Ponte Milvio that attract young people to stroll around in and enjoy an aperitif. And besides the bridge, there is a fairly large market, held every weekday.
Enjoy the special atmosphere of the Trastevere district
After an early morning in the colourful Campo de ‘Fiori square in the Centro Storico, stroll three minutes to the Tiber and cross the river via the stone bridge, Ponte Sisto, to reach Trastevere.
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most pleasant neighbourhoods, with colourful buildings adorned with flowing ivy and charming alleys. Due to its medieval charm, Trastevere has attracted many artists and famous people over the years, maintaining its bohemian air to this day, enhanced by narrow cobbled streets and old houses.
Allow at least half a day to wander the cobbled streets of this fairy-tale area, and your steps will take you to places you’ve never seen before.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find countless restaurants and cafes, and the terraces with their atmosphere are absolutely breathtaking. Don’t miss lunch or dinner in this romantic atmosphere. And after a hearty meal, you can relax in Piazza Santa Maria, where you can also visit the Basilica Santa Maria. The focal point of this square is the fountain in the middle, the ideal place where you can relax, join the students, enjoy a gelato and watch the passers-by.
The streets will be alive with crowds of locals and tourists visiting the city in the evening when you can find bars with live music. It’s very easy to stay up late in Trastevere with your beloved one, which is why you can take a leisurely stroll back to your hotel in the early morning through the quiet streets.
Take a romantic stroll in Villa Borghese park
A romantic stroll through the paths of a historic park? A stolen kiss in the atmosphere of the gardens where nobles once told their love stories? Why not?
Villa Borghese is the third largest public park in Rome with its 80 ha. It was built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, who developed the designs of Scipione Borghese – the latter used it as a place to hold various parties as well as to house his art collection. The area that houses the park was originally a vineyard in the 16th century. In 1605, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, began the transformation of this former vineyard into the largest gardens built in Rome. And one important detail – the vineyard site is identified with the gardens of Lucullus, the most famous in the late Roman Republic.
Called the Museum Park, Villa Borghese Park is now home to many museums, the most famous of which is the Borghese Museum and Gallery, a remarkable and much-loved art collection. Masterpieces include famous sculptures by Bernini and Canova, as well as paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raffaello. So if you want to combine romantic walks with cultural knowledge, this is the perfect place!
Relax in a spa, like the Romans used to do
The ancient Romans were great believers in the health benefits of thermal baths, and AcquaMadre Hammam – which offers you an authentic Roman bathing experience but with modern fittings – is a continuation of this tradition. The visitors start in the locker room (apodyterium), from where they move into the tepidarium (hot bath) where the temperature reaches 36ºC. From here, they go to the calidarium (steam room), where they will experience an authentic steam bath with 100% humidity and temperatures reaching 45ºC.
After the hot baths, the frigidarium (cold bath) follows, which acts as a skin and muscle tonic. AcquaMadre Hammam also offers massages, exfoliation treatments, and spa days exclusively for women, couples, and even children. Although the baths are also separate on certain days, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they are mixed, so the weekends are the best days for couples to indulge in the genuine Roman spa atmosphere. Remember that hammams are ideal in the winter for preventing colds and flu, but even in the summer, they offer a pleasant and refreshing sensation as the body temperature is regulated.
Go for a picnic on the Aventine Hill
Although Aventine Hill is not the richest in tourist attractions, it remains one of the most pleasant areas to explore for tourists holidaying in Rome. It is the southernmost hill in the capital, located just south of Palatine Hill, and is part of a residential area renowned for its tranquillity and overall peaceful atmosphere.
Originally, this hill was not part of the ancient core of Rome but came to be included within the city boundaries during the reign of Claudius (between 10 B.C. and 54 A.D.) Until modern times, the hill was inhabited by Rome’s poor, as well as by communities of foreigners settled in the city for various reasons.
Today, the Aventine Hill, with its two distinct heights separated by the modern Viale Aventino, is a pleasant retreat for tourists tired of the hustle and bustle of Rome. Savello Park (or the Orange Garden) stretches up one of its slopes, bordering the Basilica of Santa Sabina. Another green treasure on the hill is the Municipal Rosary, located at its base. Furthermore, the famous Circus Maximus stretches at the base of the hill towards the north, completing the series of attractions that can be explored by those who climb up and down the slopes of the southernmost of all the seven hills of the capital.
The delightful gardens offer stunning views of the city and are an ideal place to reminisce about your time together as romantic lovers. There is no better place on the Aventine Hill than the Giardino Degli Aranci, or ‘Orange Garden’, where you can enjoy a sweet citrus fragrance while watching Rome pass by. Spend a leisurely afternoon together or watch the sunset over Rome with a hamper filled with delicious Italian food and a bottle of wine. Nothing beats that when it comes to romance!
Roman monuments, churches, piazzas, and galleries are world famous, but this ancient city is also very romantic. As a couple, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories in Rome that you’ll cherish forever. The seven ideas above are just a small part of what you could do with your loved one in Rome, from having a romantic dinner in a gorgeous location to renting a Vespa and touring the city like in one of the most romantic movies ever made – Holiday in Rome, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. That being said… let the roads lead to Rome!
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