The immortal city of Rome is never more stunning than at night when all of its incredible buildings, fountains, and piazzas are artfully lit. My girlfriend Kristin and I have explored several walks throughout the city at night, but we keep coming back to one in particular, which takes us past many of Rome’s most impressive sites. If you have a good map and are willing to go on an adventure, this walk is perfect for you.
After the sun has set, we make our way toward the Ponte Sisto, the bridge that spans the Tiber River near the Spada Gallery. After catching a glimpse of the ancient river, we head to the nearby piazza, Campo dei Fiori. Usually filled with college students and 20-somethings, the piazza is full of nighttime revelry. I like to buy a beer at a nearby convenience store and sit on the obelisk in the center of the piazza to take in the spectacle.
From Campo dei Fiori, walk along Via dei Baullari to the main street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Crossing Via Vittorio Emanuele II, walk through Piazza S. Pantaleo and along Via della Posta Vecchia until you reach the fountain-filled Piazza Navona. Though refurbishing work is often being done on the fountains, there is always at least one fountain on display. The finely carved gods, horses, and mermaids reflect the light off of the water. Its wonderful!
Leave Piazza Navona by the street that goes through its center. Take the 
short side street to Corso de Rinascimento. Turn left on Rinascimento, then take your first right. This street takes you straight to the Pantheon. There is something unbelievable about the Pantheon at night. It seems even more massive, even more gargantuan. Its dome, made from poured concrete, is the largest of its kind. I am not architecturally inclined but the dome never fails to make me stare with amazement.
The next bit of navigation takes a little cunning. Leave Piazza D. Rotonda on Via d. Seminario and try to continue going straight. When you cross Via del Corso, you can look to your right and see the beautifully lit Museo dei Risorgimento in the distance. Do not turn right however, continue going straight. If you can navigate the slightly winding streets well, you will come to Via Vincenzo where you will see signs for the Trevi Fountain. Turn left on Via Vincenzo and you will run right into it. The beautiful fountain, usually overrun with people, is peaceful at night.
The Trevi Fountain is the last stop on our walk, though there are plenty of places to go to from the fountain. The entire walk—from Ponte Sisto to Trevi Fountain—should take about one hour if you walk quickly. I find it nearly impossible to finish in this time however, because there are so many great stops along the way.
Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com
Darlene Lane 70sshow says
I love to visit your sites. You transform me to places I shall never see for real. Thank you for what you do for us older folks who will never visit these places. God bless and keep you safe.
Mattie Bamman says
Thank you very much for commenting!
Darlene, it’s makes me fulfilled to hear that you enjoy reading the articles on Europe Up Close. More photos and stories are one their way. Best wishes to you and enjoy your fall–Mattie
katline prewitt says
okay that story was so good thanks for sharing that story with us who goes on the websites and i really like to see your face
Mark says
We went on a nice late night walk through Rome as well but ours was a bit crowded in many places with vast crowds. We finely asked someone what was going on and were told that once a month all the museums in Rome are free, I could only assume it was only at night because we didn’t see the lines during the day.
Massimo says
For those of you who like optical illusions I recommend visiting Niccolò Piccolomini street in Rome at night. From there you can see San Peter’s basilica and the dome seems rather big but the more you walk toward the basilica along Piccolomini street the more the dome seems small! A fantastic place for a romantic walk in Rome.
Tabitha Curley says
I loved Rome at night. When I went a few years back our tour guide took us around Rome first in the daylight than he brought us back to see the exact same sights in the night. He said in order to truely appreciate the beauty of Rome you must see it both in the day and in the night. What a beautiful city!