If you think you’ve already seen Rome from every possible angle because you’ve been to the Pincio, the Gianicolo, or the Zodiaco, get ready to change your mind. There is a corner of paradise, suspended about 140 meters above the ground, that looks like something out of a 19th-century painting and, incredibly, remains off the radar of the masses.
It is called Passeggiata Massimo Cimino and is, without mincing words, the most spectacular and underrated balcony in the capital. If you are looking for a place where the silence is interrupted only by the wind and where the city reveals itself to you in all its monumental beauty, you absolutely must make a note of this name.
From “Monte Malo” to a poet’s paradise: the story you don’t expect
You may not know it, but the hill you will be walking on has a history that dates back to the Divine Comedy. Dante Alighieri was not exactly a fan of this place and called it “Monte malo” (bad mountain), probably because of its rough paths or its less than stellar reputation at the time.
Over the centuries, however, the hill has changed its appearance (and name) considerably, becoming Monte Mario, in honor of Mario Mellini, a nobleman who owned a wonderful villa here in the 15th century.
This place has seen writers, artists, and poets of all ages pass through, all enchanted by the same light that you can see today. It is the highest hill in Rome and, precisely because of its strategic position, it is home to theINAF astronomical observatory and the historic Villa Mellini.
Walking here is not just a stroll in the park, but a journey through time in an area that has retained a charm that is both wild and aristocratic.
The Monte Mario Nature Reserve: a green lung above the Olympic Stadium
The Massimo Cimino Promenade is the pride of the Monte Mario Nature Reserve. We often forget that Rome, in addition to being an open-air museum, is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and this reserve is overwhelming proof of that.
Here, nature is not ‘tamed’ as it is in the parks in the center; it is lush, fragrant, and allows you to completely disconnect from the chaos of Via della Giuliana or Viale Mazzini, which are just a stone’s throw away.
The path is short but extremely pleasant. As you walk, you could almost forget that you are in a metropolis of three million inhabitants, until you reach the panoramic viewpoint. At that moment, the city literally ‘explodes’ before your eyes.
The Reserve is a precious ecosystem that protects rare plant species in an urban context, making the air you breathe decidedly different from that found in the valley below.
What you will see from the terrace: an unparalleled view
From the terrace of the Passeggiata Massimo Cimino, the perspective changes completely. It is not the usual “flat” view. From here:
- St. Peter’s Dome seems so close that you feel you could touch it.
- The Olympic Stadium complex and the Farnesina Palace reveal themselves in all their architectural grandeur right below you.
- The blond Tiber winds its way through the buildings of the historic center, allowing you to clearly distinguish the Altar of the Fatherland and the other domes that dot the horizon.
How to get to the Massimo Cimino Promenade and where exactly it is located
You want to go there, don’t you? Getting there is easier than it seems, but you need to know where to set your GPS so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the hill. The main entrance is on Via del Parco Mellini. You can leave your car nearby and walk along the path.
The route is suitable for everyone: youdon’t need to be an expert climber, just a pair of comfortable shoes and the desire to fill your eyes with beauty.
An extra tip? Go just before sunset. When the sun sets behind the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the city lights begin to come on, you will understand why this place is considered one of the most romantic and characteristic in all of Rome.
