Pincian Hill

The Pincio is a hill in northeastern Rome, east of Piazza del Popolo and west of the Villa Borghese, not counted among the classical seven hills. In antiquity its slopes held the gardens of wealthy Roman families, including the Horti Luculliani of the general Lucullus, famed for cherry trees and fish ponds. Giuseppe Valadier laid out the present Napoleonic walks between 1809 and 1814, lined with busts of ancient heroes and scientists added under Mazzini in the 19th century. The terrace above Piazza del Popolo offers one of the city's most beloved views, especially at sunset when the dome of St Peter's glows golden in the distance. Strollers, caricaturists and small puppet theatres animate the scene.