Submitted by Sydney Ballenger on the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…
My third week in Rome, the sun was finally out and the weather warmed up. I took advantage of the improving weather, spending as much time outside as possible. On Tuesday, my roommates and I walked up to the top of Gianicolo Hill (also known as the Janiculum Hill) to watch the sunset. Although Gianicolo Hill does not count as one of the proverbial “Seven Hills of Rome” because it is west of the Tiber and therefore, outside of the old boundaries of Rome, it is the second tallest hill in Rome and offers a beautiful view of the city. To get to the top of the hill, you must climb up several flights of stairs, each seemingly steeper than the one before. However, the view from the top is worth it and I highly recommend the walk to anyone that finds themselves in Trastevere. (Submitted on January 24, 2024)