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.
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.
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 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.
