by C. P.
May is traditionally Italy’s best month for getting married – while the exact reason why is lost in history, it is possible that it has to do with having winter finally behind us and all the customs and rituals that celebrate the ultimate reawakening of nature.
At From Home to Rome we’d like to honor that age-old tradition (in spite of these last few weeks’ weird weather!) by offering suggestions on where to propose to your significant other – while we get lots of honeymooners at our managed apartments, we also get requests of directions on where to pop that question.
So here is a list that will mix obvious sites with more off the beaten path grounds. And know they’re not for happy couples only – they can be visited at will!
The Orange Garden (whose actual name is Parco Savello) is a small public terrace on top of the Aventine Hill, known for the stunning views over Trastevere and part of the city center. While the trek to the top of the hill may be a challenge to some, the peacefulness of the area more than makes up for it. It is difficult to have Parco Savello all to yourself, which is why we recommend strolling around the Aventine Hill, particularly down Via di Sant’Alessio (where both the historical gardens of St. Alexius and the famous keyhole are located) if you fancy a quiet spot.
Renting a row boat and spending some quiet time in the middle of the Villa Borghese gardens is as romantic as it gets, except that many people have the same idea every day – so while this spot is spectacular, you may have some competition… And the person renting the boats may burst your bubble reminding you that your time is almost up: therefore, give this some serious thought.
Can one of the most visited monuments on earth be a romantic spot? Sure, if you go when everyone’s fast asleep! If you’re suffering from the effects of jet lag, reach the fountain (or any other landmark in Rome, for that matter!) early in the morning, ideally before 6AM, or at night past midnight – and enjoy its different atmosphere. Just don’t throw yourself in it, it’s a serious misdemeanor!
Monte Mario is a residential district north of the Vatican which boasts the highest hill in all of Rome, higher than the Janiculum Hill (another serious contender, as far as romantic spots go), as a matter of fact. “Zodiaco” is actually the name of a popular restaurant on top of the Parco Mellini park, which offers what is arguably the most stunning view on the city.
And you don’t have to have dinner there to enjoy it – part of the “show” comes for free, as it’s right in the parking of the establishment. At night, particularly, the place gets crowded with young and old couples admiring the view and whispering sweet nothings into the night. Find your own spot and ignore (or not) men selling flowers somehow insistently – they come with the territory.
Look for the perfect alley around this small square in the quieter part of Trastevere, among medieval cloisters, vines covering ancient walls and perfect, tiny shops. And maybe hire a photographer to take a portrait of you and your loved one!
A walk on the Appian Way is always a good idea, but when you reach the tomb of Cecilia Metella, the experience turns into something special: opposite that, you won’t be able to miss what is left of a Medieval church, called “San Nicola a Capo di Bove“, which has been deconsecrated and roof-less for more than four centuries. On Sundays, when cars are not allowed on the Appian Way, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic gesture.
One more location on the Aventine Hill, this time at the base of the slope, we wrote extensively about this place here. Being only opened to the public for a few months each year, it attracts a huge amount of visitors, but if you’re interested in the heart-shaped rose trellis there for your proposal… Well, go for it!
Nestled among…
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