Beyond the stifling heat that sometimes paralyzes the narrow streets of the Centro Storico, Rome hides another side, accessible only to those willing to leave the paved streets of the Forums behind and head for the hills. In this city where the past piles up layer upon layer, the rooftop terrace has become much more than just a summer retreat: it is a strategic vantage point from which to observe the slow metamorphosis of the Eternal City. This season, the Italian capital is experiencing an unprecedented hotel renaissance, attracting major names in design and gastronomy to its rooftops. From the Aventine Hill to the revitalized industrial districts, Rome’s skyline is being redefined by venues that blend imperial heritage with a contemporary lifestyle.
The Art of the 360-Degree Panorama: From the Pantheon to St. Peter’s Basilica
The opening of the Orient Express La Minerva hotel marks a symbolic milestone in this conquest of the heights. At its summit, the Gigi Rigolatto restaurant stands out as one of the city’s most spectacular vantage points. Here, the view is not merely a backdrop, but a total immersion in Rome’s topography. The gaze sweeps across a horizon where the dome of the Pantheon, the imposing mass of the Vittoriano, and—in the distance—the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica jostle for attention, the latter seeming to float in the golden twilight. The result of a collaboration between Paris Society and Rikas Hospitality, this venue operates on an Italian schedule. At dawn, the ritual begins with the precision of a ristretto and the indulgence of maritozzis overflowing with cream. Later, in the low-angled light, the tables are set with vitello tonnato, milaneses, and linguini pairing langoustine tartare with the bold flavor of pistachios. Here, the Bellini is served with quintessentially Italian deference, while frosted fruits provide the perfect finishing touch to the sultry Roman evenings.
Just a stone’s throw away, another vision of modernity has taken root in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. The Soho House, housed in a 1950s building, has shaken up the traditional norms of the Roman hospitality industry since its opening in late 2021. This rooftop, located on the tenth floor, stands out for its laid-back atmosphere and refined aesthetic. On one side, a pool with a red mosaic-tiled bottom invites you to take a contemplative dip; on the other, the restaurant under the Cecconi’s banner. It’s the go-to spot for those looking to escape formal classicism. Here, you can order a spicy margarita to accompany lobster spaghetti while watching the sky blaze behind the neighborhood’s industrial silhouettes—proof that Rome also knows how to cultivate a raw elegance, far from its ancient colonnades.
Design and Hanging Gardens: The New Creative Signatures
Rome’s transformation is also shaped by the vision of international designers who are reinterpreting the Roman garden. At Six Senses, located across from the Doria-Pamphilj Gallery, interior designer Patricia Urquiola has created a space bathed in a unique light. The rooftop, named NOTOS, avoids the pitfall of a sterile terrace to offer the joyful and lush atmosphere of a southern Italian garden. Under the direction of Chef Fabio Sangiovanni, the cuisine here is a celebration of freshness. Scampi carpaccio and caprese ravioli are paired with gnocchi alle vongole, creating perfect harmony with the view of the Church of San Marcello al Corso. It is a sensory experience where the natural and the sacred converge, suspended above the hustle and bustle of Via del Corso.
In a more intimate yet equally refined vein, the 9Hotel Cesàri surprises with its understated charm. Behind a modern urban facade lies a lush terrace offering an intimate view of the Church of San Ignacio de Loyola. The atmosphere is set by the gentle strains of a live band, perfect for sipping spritzes or martinis. Here, you can nibble on plump green olives and bruschetta, or even pizzas with a delicately crafted crust, in a setting that emphasizes the intimacy and charm of a secret Rome, almost hidden from the gaze of passersby.
The Legacy of Luxury: From Imperial Marble to Striped Parasols
It’s impossible to speak of Rome’s rooftops without mentioning the mark left by the House of Bvlgari. On Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the Bvlgari Hotel embodies understated luxury where marble reigns supreme. After paying homage to the statue of Augustus presiding over the lobby, the elevator takes you to the seventh floor, where La Terrazza unfolds. The aesthetic is instantly recognizable: a water feature adorned with the house’s signature star motif, deep armchairs with vibrant cushions, and an abundance of flowers. The menu, with a focus on seafood, features exceptionally fresh oysters and raw fish, complemented by a tomato focaccia whose simplicity is matched only by the quality of its ingredients. It is undoubtedly here that one feels most intensely the connection between Rome’s past and its contemporary prestige, as the sun slowly sets over the ruins of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
On the famous Piazza di Spagna, the Hotel de la Ville, owned by the Rocco Forte Group, embodies another form of excellence. Its rooftop, aptly named Cielo, offers one of the city’s most coveted views. Beneath the iconic red-and-white striped umbrellas—the hotel’s visual signature—guests discover a menu curated by Fulvio Pierangelini. Here, the chef showcases a masterful Italian repertoire: zucchini blossoms in tempura, vibrant lemon linguine, and gnocchi cacio e pepe of the utmost creaminess. As the sky turns orange, the terrace becomes the gathering spot for an international clientele seeking a certain vision of Roman perfection—a blend of high-end gastronomy and breathtaking views of the surrounding domes.
Historical Renaissance and New Urban Retreats
Urban renewal is also transforming even the most venerable institutions. The iconic Hotel d’Inghilterra, a historic haven for the aristocracy since the mid-16th century, has recently undergone a makeover. While preserving its upholstered suites and time-honored charm, the Starhotels Collezione property unveiled the Terrazza Romana this year. Located just a stone’s throw from Via Condotti, this new cocktail bar, helmed by Angelo Di Giorgi, offers an immersion in classic elegance. Open in the late afternoon, the terrace invites guests to enjoy intimate conversations over carefully selected Italian wines and small plates to share, offering a chance to rediscover the Spanish Steps neighborhood from a calmer, more refined perspective.
Finally, to round out this culinary journey, The Rome EDITION has just added its own touch with the opening of The Roof. True to the brand’s spirit, the venue combines sophisticated minimalism with a lively atmosphere. Centered around a pool surrounded by lounge chairs, the venue offers a seamless transition from lunch to dinner. The menu features reinterpreted Mediterranean classics: perfectly seasoned tuna tartare, a generous club sandwich, and grilled lobster. Paired with a bold cocktail menu, this seventh-floor spot is already shaping up to be the new go-to spot for those who want to experience Rome through the lens of a cosmopolitan and dynamic modernity.
Leaving the ground level to reach these terraces isn’t just a way to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome’s streets. It’s about seeing the city as a living organism, where every rooftop tells a different story: that of a successful renovation, an innovative culinary collaboration, or a designer’s vision. In Rome, the show now takes place high above the city, confirming that while all roads lead to the imperial city, the most beautiful ones end with a view of the sky.