Pincio Gardens (Pincio)
The basics
These pretty gardens atop the Pincian Hill date to the 4th century, when the estate of the ancient Roman Pinci family covered these grounds. Reworked in the 19th century, the Pincio Gardens are lush with greenery and flowers surrounding busts of illustrious Italians, an obelisk, and a historic water clock. Many Segway and bike tours of Rome stop by this small park on the western edge of the sprawling Villa Borghese gardens to take in its sweeping view over the entire center of Rome, one of the best in the city.
Things to know before you go
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture arguably the best view over Rome.
- A stop at the Pincio Gardens is also a great break for kids who can run and play on the lawns.
- The park is accessible to wheelchair users, though there is a steep, winding path from the entrance to the panoramic terrace.
- The park and terrace are outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear a hat and sunscreen.
- The elegant cafè inside the park’s Casina Valadier is a scenic spot for coffee or a snack.
How to get there
The Pincio Gardens are located on the western edge of Villa Borghese, and are accessible on foot from the Spanish Steps or Piazza del Popolo. The nearest metro stop is Flaminio.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The panoramic terrace gets quite crowded in the late afternoon, as the best time to photograph the city from this viewpoint is at dusk. Try to get there before the sun begins to set to secure a front-row spot for snapping photos.
The Pincio Above, Piazza del Popolo Below
The panoramic Pincio terrace overlooks Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s largest and most prominent public squares. After taking in the view from the park, you can head down the pedestrian stairs to visit this round piazza’s “twin” churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto by Bernini and Carlo Fontana, as well as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, home to works by Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio.
- Rome Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Museo Leonardo da Vinci)
- Piazza del Popolo
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo)
- Rome Via del Corso
- Villa Medici
- Via Condotti (Via dei Condotti)
- Antico Caffè Greco
- Ara Pacis Museum (Museo dell'Ara Pacis)
- Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
- Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia)
- Trinità dei Monti
- Keats-Shelley House
- Piazza di Spagna
- Pietro Canonica Museum (Museo Pietro Canonica)
- Basilica di San Lorenzo in Lucina