Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)

The Basics

Named for the ancient god Janus, Janiculum Hill is located west of the Tiber River above Trastevere, and is a highlight of many walking, Segway, and Vespa tours of this charming historic neighborhood. Trastevere food tours also often stop at the top of Janiculum Hill to take in the view, as do private driving tours of Rome’s scenic overlooks. Fontana dell'Acqua Paola terrace is considered one of the best vistas in the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The view from Janiculum Hill stretches across the historic center of Rome to the Roman Forum, so bring your camera.

• Walking and Segway tours of Trastevere offer little shade; comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.

• The scenic overlooks at Fontana dell'Acqua Paola and the botanical garden are wheelchair accessible; the San Pietro in Montorio church is not.

• You must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to enter the church.

• The botanical gardens are an ideal spot for a stroll with kids.

How to Get There

Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) is located above the Trastevere neighborhood, and it can be confusing to wind your way through the neighborhood’s back streets to reach the top. It’s best to visit with a group or private tour.

When to Get There

Most of the attractions and views on Janiculum Hill are outside, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. The quiet church, on the other hand, provides a cool refuge from the midday summer heat.

Rome’s Seven Hills

Gianicolo is not one of Rome’s seven legendary hills, though many consider it the honorary eighth hill. Rome’s historic seven hills are east of the Tiber and form the geographical heart of ancient Rome. Caelian Hill is the farthest southeast, and the others are Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, and Palatine Hill, where Romulus is said to have founded Rome and where the most famous archaeological ruins can be seen.

Ways to explore

Most visitors come to Janiculum and head straight for the terrace—technically called Piazza Gianicolo—for its sweeping views, but this hill has more to offer. If you don’t mind extra walking, start your visit along the Passeggiata del Gianicolo, a hiking area that converges onto Piazza Garibaldi and continues to the terrace. You can linger there or explore Orto Botanico and other sites.

Alternatively, book guided tours that zip through Rome and stop to catch the views. Travel options for excursions include vintage Fiats, Vespa scooters, tuk-tuks, or e-bikes—there are even evening tours that arrive just in time for sunset.

Accessibility

Both Piazza Garibaldi and the belvedere are wheelchair-accessible. Accessible restrooms are near the belvedere.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, snacks to enjoy with the view, binoculars to spot city landmarks

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, windbreaker when breezy

Not allowed

Swimming in the fountain, unregistered drones

Amenities

Carts selling snacks and gelato, cafés, restaurants in Trastevere nearby

Address

Janiculum Hill is across the Tiber River (Fiume Tevere) from Rome’s historic center, roughly half a mile (1 kilometer) north of the Trastevere neighborhood. It is accessible by car and bus. Tours that provide transportation by scooters, tuk-tuks, and vintage Fiats offer fun ways to get there.

Driving

From Viale di Trastevere in Trastevere, it’s a short drive northwest on Via Emilio Morosini, Via Goffredo Mameli, and Via Garibaldi. Turn right on the Passeggiata del Gianicolo and find parking around Piazza Garibaldi.

Public transportation

Take bus 115 or 870 from Viale Trastevere or in front of the Santo Spirito hospital on the Lungotevere, and hop off at Piazza Garibaldi. The ride takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses are the best option as Trastevere is not well-connected by subway.

Best times to visit

Early morning is the most peaceful time; at sunset, locals and tourists socialize over gelato.

Best days to visit

This is an attraction that’s fun with crowds—visit on weekends to enjoy the social vibe with beautiful views as a backdrop.

Best months to visit

Experience local life by cooling down on the terrace on late summer evenings from mid to late September.

Special events

At 12pm daily, soldiers fire a blank howitzer to mark the time. On weekends, local theater troops perform Punch and Judy puppet shows for children.