DinaLast Updated on September 14, 2026
If you ask how many hills Rome has, you’ll be told seven. Gianicolo is not one of the ancient Seven Hills, although it is often called Rome’s “eighth hill.”
Located across the Tiber above Trastevere, Belvedere del Gianicolo offers one of the best panoramic views of Rome.
Belvedere del Gianicolo: quick information
- Entrance: Free
- Opening hours: Accessible at all times
- Recommended visit time: 30–60 minutes
- Best time to visit: Around sunset or shortly before noon
- Cannon firing: Daily at 12:00
- Location: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
- Nearest metro station: There is no metro station nearby
- Useful buses: 115 and 870
Is Belvedere del Gianicolo worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you want a panoramic view of Rome without paying for a rooftop or observation deck.
From the terrace, you can see the historic centre, church domes and many of Rome’s most recognisable buildings. The atmosphere is particularly beautiful during the hour before sunset, when the rooftops are illuminated by warm light.
My verdict: Visit Gianicolo around sunset or combine it with the daily cannon ceremony at noon. It also works well before or after exploring Trastevere.
What can you see from Belvedere del Gianicolo?
The view from Gianicolo extends across much of central Rome. On a clear day, you can identify landmarks including the Pantheon dome, the Vittoriano monument and several of the city’s historic church towers.
The viewpoint faces towards the historic centre rather than directly towards the setting sun. However, the late-afternoon light over the rooftops makes it one of the best places in Rome for panoramic photographs.
Trees partly obstruct the view from some sections of the promenade, so walk around Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi to find the clearest viewpoint.
What to see at Gianicolo
1. The panoramic terrace
The main viewpoint is at Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi. The terrace is free and accessible at any time, although it becomes busiest around sunset.
There are benches, food kiosks and several places to stop along the surrounding promenade.
2. The Giuseppe Garibaldi monument
At the centre of the square stands the equestrian monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the leading figures in the unification of Italy.
Nearby, you will also find a monument to Anita Garibaldi and numerous marble busts honouring people who fought for the Roman Republic.
3. The Gianicolo cannon
Every day at exactly noon, a cannon fires a blank round from below the main terrace.
The tradition began in 1847 under Pope Pius IX. Its original purpose was to provide an official time signal so that Rome’s church bells could ring together. The cannon was moved to its current location at Gianicolo in 1904.
Arrive at approximately 11:45 if you want to find a good viewing position. You can check the official information about the Gianicolo cannon before your visit.
4. Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
The enormous Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, also known as Il Fontanone, is located on Via Garibaldi, approximately 10–15 minutes from the main viewpoint.
Built between 1610 and 1614, it marked the end of the restored Aqua Traiana aqueduct. The fountain is free to see and provides another excellent view over Rome.
It is not directly beside the Belvedere, so include it when walking to or from Trastevere. You can find more information on the official Fontana dell’Acqua Paola page.
5. The Janiculum Promenade
The tree-lined promenade around the viewpoint contains statues, busts and monuments connected with the defence of the Roman Republic in 1849.
The area was transformed into a public promenade during the late 19th century. Today, it remains a pleasant place for a walk away from the busiest streets of central Rome.
What is the best time to visit Gianicolo?
Visit during the hour before sunset for the best atmosphere and warm light over Rome’s rooftops. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset because the main terrace can become busy.
If you want to see the cannon ceremony, arrive shortly before noon. The cannon fires at exactly 12:00 every day.
Early morning is the quietest time for photographs, while the illuminated view after dark is also worth seeing.
How to get to Belvedere del Gianicolo
There is no metro station near Belvedere del Gianicolo.
Buses 115 and 870 normally serve the Gianicolo area, although routes can change because of roadworks. Check the latest journey through ATAC or Google Maps before leaving.
You can also walk:
- From central Trastevere: Approximately 25–30 minutes uphill
- From St Peter’s Square: Approximately 25–30 minutes
- From Castel Sant’Angelo: Approximately 30 minutes
The walk from Trastevere follows Via Garibaldi and passes close to Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. It is scenic but steep, particularly during summer.
A taxi is the easiest option for visitors with limited mobility, young children or strollers. For information about tickets and public transport, read my guide to the Rome Metro.
What to see near Gianicolo
You can combine the viewpoint with:
- Fontana dell’Acqua Paola: Around 10–15 minutes away
- Trastevere: Around 20–30 minutes downhill
- Rome Botanical Garden: Around 20 minutes downhill
- St Peter’s Square: Around 25–30 minutes away
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Around 30 minutes away
The Botanical Garden of Rome is located below Gianicolo at Villa Corsini. It is a separate ticketed attraction rather than part of the viewpoint or promenade.
A practical route is to take a bus or taxi to Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, visit the viewpoint and then walk downhill past Fontana dell’Acqua Paola towards Trastevere.
Frequently asked questions about Belvedere del Gianicolo
Yes. The viewpoint, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Janiculum Promenade are free and accessible at all times. You do not need a ticket or reservation. Nearby attractions have different rules: Fontana dell’Acqua Paola is free to see, while Rome’s Botanical Garden requires a separate admission ticket.
The Gianicolo cannon fires a blank round every day at exactly 12:00, including weekends. It is positioned below the main terrace near the Giuseppe Garibaldi monument. Arrive by approximately 11:45 to find a good viewing position. The tradition began in 1847 and moved permanently to Gianicolo in 1904.
Visit around sunset for the best atmosphere and warm light over Rome’s rooftops. Arrive 30–45 minutes early because the main terrace becomes busy. If you want to see the cannon instead, visit shortly before noon. Early morning is the quietest option for photographs without crowds.
There is no metro station at Gianicolo. Buses 115 and 870 normally serve the area, although routes can change. You can also walk uphill from Trastevere in approximately 25–30 minutes or from the Vatican area. A taxi is the easiest option if you want to avoid the steep climb.
Allow 30–45 minutes for the viewpoint, Garibaldi monument and cannon. Plan approximately 60–90 minutes if you also want to walk to Fontana dell’Acqua Paola or continue downhill towards Trastevere. Add more time for the Botanical Garden, which is a separate ticketed attraction.
No. Gianicolo is not one of the seven hills traditionally associated with ancient Rome because it stood outside the earliest city boundaries, across the Tiber. It is nevertheless often called Rome’s “eighth hill” and is one of the city’s best-known panoramic viewpoints.
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