Unknown Rome: Villa Lante and its stunning views

Whether it’s to enjoy fireworks or for a romantic getaway within the city, Rome doesn’t seem to have enough vantage points! Those we listed in posts such as this one get more crowded with each passing day thanks to the huge tourists numbers in the city, and return visitors to Rome as well as first timers are now looking for alternatives. We do have one to suggest, as a matter of fact, and one that comes with a countdown – starting May 31st, this venue will not be accessible due to urgent renovation works and will be off limits for years, so you’d better act fast!

Enter Villa Lante, a jewel on the Janiculum

Those who know the history of Rome are aware of the fact that on the other side of the Tiber, in Trastevere or in the Janiculum, there are very few noble palaces. This is partly due to the fact that the former, in particular, was once considered dangerous and home to criminals and the mentally ill.

There are some exceptions, of course, and one of them is Villa Lante, on the top of the Janiculum hill. This Renaissance villa was designed by none other than Giulio Romano, Raphael’s pupil, and is said to have been built on the Roman villa of the poet Martial. Owned by the Republic of Finland, it is home to the Finnish Institute of Rome and is usually open to the public for 1-2 hours once or twice a week for the stunning views from its loggia. Imagine a less crowded Piazzale del Gianicolo – you can see the entire center of Eternal City from here, and have fun guessing which monuments you can see on the horizon below the highest hill in Rome.

How to visit Villa Lante in Rome

Villa Lante, as mentioned, is long overdue for important renovations, so on May 31st it will close its doors to the groups of tourists who come to enjoy its breathtaking views or to learn about the history of this area of the city. But there’s still time to see the loggia for yourself – the next time will be in 2025.

Visitors who wish to have this opportunity one last time can do so by reading the instructions here.

On the other hand, those who don’t make it can still explore the Janiculum Hill and its panoramic terraces – the views will be the same, although they won’t be as exclusive.