PHOTO // ITALY6 locations

Best Photography Spots in Rome

Rome glows at either end of the day; its fountains and ruins are only empty at dawn.

Rome, Italy — Rome — a city photo, not one of the spots below

Best light overall

Sunrise for the Trevi, Colosseum and Spanish Steps; blue hour at the river.

Colosseum from Oppian Hill

Monti

The amphitheatre from above on Via Nicola Salvi.

Best light: Sunrise, when golden light hits the stone and the street is quiet.
Tip: The terrace on the Oppian Hill gives a cleaner, elevated angle.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi

The baroque fountain in full.

Best light: 6 to 7am — the only time it's nearly empty.
Tip: By 8am it's a wall of people; first light is the whole game here.

Aventine Keyhole

Aventino

St. Peter's dome perfectly framed through a garden keyhole.

Best light: Morning for even light down the tree tunnel.
Tip: Expect a short queue; the dome sits centered at the end of the hedge.

Piazza del Campidoglio terrace

Campitelli

The Roman Forum ruins spread out below.

Best light: Sunset for warm light across the Forum.
Tip: The terrace beside the piazza looks straight over the Forum.

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Ponte

The angel statues leading to Castel Sant'Angelo.

Best light: Blue hour, when the castle and bridge lamps light up.
Tip: Include the river for a reflection of the lit castle.

Pantheon

Pigna

The portico and the piazza fountain.

Best light: Early morning before the square fills.
Tip: Shoot from the fountain to include the obelisk and the pediment.

A note on access

Opening hours, ticketing and access change, and some viewpoints sit on private or ticketed property. Check before you go, respect closures and residents, and never trespass or block traffic for a shot.