5 Top Spots for Sunrise and Sunset in Rome
If Rome is on your bucket list, you’ll definitely enjoy the following post. PhotoHound Pro, Massimo Squillace shares 5 top spots for sunrise and sunset in Rome, the Eternal City. Massimo writes: “Rome is a city best experienced at the edges of the day, when artificial lights begin to fade or to shine. I especially love being out before dawn, because the streets are mostly empty and you feel an unreal peace, out of context for such a busy, often chaotic metropolis; and last but not least, I relish being one of the first customers to arrive at one of my favourite bars, where I’ll enjoy a post-shoot breakfast with a cappuccino and brioche (“cornetto”). Generally speaking, the best seasons to go out shooting are spring and autumn because the vegetation displays are at their best, but being based in Rome means I can take the camera out at any time of the year, whenever the weather or cloud formations inspire me. Here are a few special places I often return to when the mood takes me…
1) Sunrise at Piazza Navona
Dawn really is the only moment in the day when this square is empty, and also when you’ll get the best light. Immediately after fall rain, the colours will be saturated. Dramatic cloud formations will add character to your shots.
2) Sunrise at the Pantheon
This is another spot where it is impossible to shoot during the day, but it’s awesome during blue hour.Bring a sturdy tripod and an extreme wide angle lens, so that you will be able to shoot long exposures below waist level and emphasise the foreground.
3) Sunset at Castel Sant’Angelo
This is just one of a number of possible ways to frame this imposing castle, which is warmly illuminated as soon as the sun sets. Make sure your tripod is setup at the very beginning of civil twilight for the best light!
4) Sunrise at Monte Gelato
This is an evocative location along the Treja River near Mazzano Romano, famous for its waterfalls. This spot offers plenty of landscape photographic opportunities. It’s a refreshing alternative to the busy city, although just 45 km from the centre!
5) Sunset at Sorano
The evening lights in Sorano transform this picturesque medieval town into a view reminiscent of a nativity scene. One can only wonder at the way some of the buildings cling to the sheer sides of the cliffs! This is also one of the most rewarding little towns to visit, with photographic opportunities at every turn.”
We hope you enjoyed these 5 top spots for sunrise and sunset in Rome. To explore more of the best photo spots in Rome, see Massimo Squillace’s Guide, See more of Massimo’s work here.
