Romantic things to do in Rome: 5 tips for Valentine’s Day

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«Romantic things to do in Rome: Valentine’s Day is approaching and the capital will help you make it even more magical.»

Valentine’s Day is coming so we have decided to treat you with a list of romantic things to do in Rome: taking a long romantic walk for the occasion is the best way to start off a nice evening, especially if in Rome, one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy. Strolling around the historic center of Rome, Unesco World Heritage Site, you will be breathing a completely different air from the usual, encountering some of the most beautiful places in the capital. From Fontana di Trevi, with its famous launch of the coin, to the Colosseum, without forgetting the Roman Forum and Piazza di Spagna. In short, if you need inspiration for romantic things to do in Rome and want to go on a nice romantic walk, you will be spoiled for choice!

And to begin with there is nothing better than the Passeggiata del Gianicolo, consisting of two tree-lined avenues: it’s a walk that will give you one of the most beautiful views of the capital (here you can find our special issue on the most fascinating views of Rome). Theater to the heroic vicissitudes of the fighters for the Roman Republic, in 1883 it was transformed into a public promenade dedicated to the memory of the Defense of Rome; on the edges of the avenues, in fact, are the busts of the illustrious ‘garibaldini’ who fought for the defense of Rome. A Little curiosity: since 1904, at 12 o’clock every day, under the viewpoint of the Gianicolo 3 soldiers load a blanket and fire a shot; the tradition of the cannon shot dates back to Pius IX who, in order to avoid confusion of time, established this service in 1846.

Our search for the most romantic things to do in Rome continues with a perfect romantic walk, which starts at the Terrazza del Pincio, inside Villa Borghese, from which you can admire the view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and all the main monuments of the capital. The construction of the terrace took place in 1826, designed by Giuseppe Valadier to connect the Piazza to the hill. There are several aspects to be emphasized: from the study of the two hairpin bends, which rise and meet halfway up the panoramic terrace, to the choice of the most suitable vegetation, so as to create an almost perfect setting. The area surrounding the Terrazza del Pincio, however, has become the first public garden in Rome.
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Casina Valadier, invece, instead, is the perfect place for a little break; designed as a dwelling, the building has become a historic café, from which, even today, you can enjoy the city view. A curiosity: one of the busts of the Pincio is located right on the point where the Meridian of Rome passes, Angelo Secchi’s meridian, who at that time was the director of the astronomical Observatory.

But it is not over yet: a romantic walk not to be missed is the one in Trastevere (we have already talked about it here). To the west of the Tiber River and to the south of the Vatican City is a neighborhood full of entwined streets, churches, palaces, fountains, shops, souvenirs, displays of paintings by great artists. These alleys are perfect for those who want to experience the magic of the city immersed in colors and scents, pausing for example at Piazza Trilussa, dedicated to the famous poet of Rome; or, why not, go through the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), until you get to Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, where there is the homonymous church.

Continuing our tour of the most romantic things to do in Rome, the Appia Antica is also one of the perfect places where to enjoy a romantic walk; the name derives from the censor Appius Claudius, who wanted the construction of it. The street is one of the most evocative places of the capital. On foot or by bike, the Appia Antica offers a walk immersed in the green, to discover important funerary monuments, villas and catacombs, all the way up to the church called Quo Vadis? 
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More than a church, it’s a truly gem, located at the point where St. Peter, who was about to flee from Rome where persecutions were going on, would have met Jesus. It’s a place worth visiting especially for its cultural and architectural riches. Via Appia is the Roman road that once connected Rome to Brindisi, one of the most important ports from which the trade routes to Greece and the East departed; immersing yourself in this place, as well as being a romantic journey into the past, is also the only way to get to know the ancient structure.

We conclude with San Lorenzo, the last district where you can enjoy a long romantic walk. Our journey begins with a quick glance at the Giardino dei Caduti of 19 July 1943, until you reach Largo degli Osci, the center of life in the neighborhood, where the market arrives every day in the nearby square.

Quanto sei bella Roma quann’è sera
quando la luna se specchia dentro ar fontanone
e le coppiette se ne vanno via
quanto sei bella Roma quando piove.
Quanto sei bella Roma quann’è er tramonto
quando l’arancia rosseggia ancora sui sette colli
e le finestre so’ tanti occhi
che te sembrano dì: quanto sei bella!-
Antonello Venditti

HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE, ROME, when it is night
WHEN THE MOON IS MIRRORED INSIDE THE FOUNTAIN 
AND when THE COUPLES go away
how BEAUTIFUL you are, ROME, WHEN IT RAINS. 
HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE, ROME, WHEN IT IS SUNSET
WHEN THE ORANGE STILL BLUSHES ON THE SEVEN HILLS
AND THE WINDOWS are SO MANY EYES
THAT SEEM TO SAY: HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE! – 
Antonello Venditti

If you want some advice for dinner here is a rundown of some of the most beautiful romantic restaurants in Rome, ideal places to spend lovers’ day in the best way possible.  Now that we have given you ideas on the most romantic things to do in Rome, grab your valentine and take them on a breath taking tour!

Argia Renda

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