Holidays in Rome

Where’s a romantic spot to propose in Rome? This is a surprisingly common question. Not so surprising, perhaps, considering that, to many people and travelers, Rome is the most romantic city around. Frankly, just about any spot in Rome is at least reasonably romantic. Pick a sidewalk table anywhere in the city, order two capuccinos and make your offer!

The first choice would be a moonlit night overlooking the Roman Forum from the back of the Campidoglio. The ruins have an aura about them at all times, but especially at night. The better spot is to the right of the Palazzo Senatorio, though the area to the left is nice as well. Second choice would have to be atop the Palatine Hill, inside the Roman Forum and Palatine. You can stand at the wall of the building in the Farnese Gardens with a framed view of the Forum below. Alternatively, there’s a corner to the left, on the northwest edge of the Palatine with an even better, unframed, view.

The view of the city from atop the dome of St. Peter’s is excellent. Go to the roof, then climb to the inside of the dome, then up the winding stairs inside the covering of the dome to the lantern atop the church. An energetic climb, the proposal will take away any thought of aching muscles and it’ll be a wedding proposal to remember for sure.

Late afternoon or early morning with the sun low at the Belvedere in the Pincio would be fine as well. A park setting, you have an elevated overview of the Rennaissance quarter of the city looking all the way to the dome of St. Peter’s to the west. The Belvedere is a few hundred yards past the Trinità dei  Monti atop the Spanish Steps, inside the park.

Romance is where you find it, and in Rome, with a loved one, romance is everywhere.