Piazzale Garibaldi-The Best Views of Rome?

There are two spectacular parks in Rome which offer panoramic views. The Pincio (near Piazza del Popolo) and Piazzale Garibaldi, on the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill). From Piazzale Garibaldi not only can you see all of the historic center of Rome to the east-the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Forum, etc-but to the west you have an incomparable view of the dome of St. Peter's. The piazza, which contains a playground for children and hosts live puppet shows ala Punch and Judy, is dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian military and political leader who helped unify and liberate Italy in the 19th century. From the piazza it is an easy walk to the Fontanone (the fountain dedicated by Pope Paul V), the American Academy in Rome, and down into Trastevere for food and drink!

A Restaurant With a View-Il Fontanone del Gianicolo

In conjunction with Estate Romana, the Acqua Paola at the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) hosts an outdoor restaurant and cocktail bar. Il Fontanone del Gianicolo boasts the best view of the city next to the grand and picturesque fountain built by Pope Paul V. In addition to the food and drink available in summertime, through September 14th TeatroStudio, a Roman performing arts organization, hosts FontanonEstate-live music, theater and poetry on a stage next to the fountain. Summer's almost over, so be sure to catch the restaurant and entertainment this week!

Where to Cool Off on a Hot Day in Rome

Let's face it-the heat in Rome can be unbearable at the height of summer. The sun is blinding, the streets are crowded, and your shoes were not made for cobblestones. You are dying for a quiet hour next to the pool. Unfortunately, swimming pools are hard to come by. It's pretty much impossible to find a hotel with a pool in the historic center of Rome. The Cavalieri Hilton hotel has a pool and lovely wooded acres, but it's 3 miles from the center of town-not exactly convenient if you want to stay in the Centro Storico. There is good news, however! For 25 Euros (not cheap-but desperate times call for desperate measures) you can buy your way into a pool in the city for the whole day. The Grand Hotel del Gianicolo, located atop the Gianicolo hill at Viale delle Mura Gianicolense #107, has a lovely pool that is within a short walk from Trastevere. After your swim, have a coffee at one of the nearby cafes, take a stroll past the American Academy, the Aqua Paola and on to Garibaldi Park for a top-notch view of the city! Don't forget your bathing cap-a requirement at Italian pools (and available at the hotel for 5 Euros).

Antique Prints and Books in Rome

Rome is a rich source for antiques. While shipping home antique Italian furniture may be unrealistic, you can easily bring home antique prints and books to decorate your home. Piazza Fontanella Borghese (just west of the Via del Corso) houses a market full of antique prints and rare books stalls. You can spend hours browsing through thousands of prints, and you won't break the bank when you finally make your choice. The 19th century print above, from Alessandro Ricci's stall, depicts one of the many fountains in Rome, but you will find examples of botanical prints, landscapes, and architecture from all over Europe.