Timeline
20:09
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius
Grab a coffee or a quick bite at a nearby spot. The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on the Capitoline Hill is a great starting point to orient yourself in the old city center before heading west.
20:24
Walk east to the Pietà in Saint Peter's Basilica. Arrive 20 minutes before sunset to secure a seat and enjoy the quiet atmosphere inside the basilica as the light shifts.
20:44
Watch the sunset. The golden light from the setting sun (WSW) will illuminate the interior of the basilica, casting a warm glow on Michelangelo's sculpture.
21:04
End the evening with dinner at La Vittoria. It is open from 19:00 to 23:00, making it the perfect spot for a post-sunset meal.
Local tip
The Pietà is inside Saint Peter's Basilica. Check opening hours for the basilica to ensure it is open for the sunset viewing. La Vittoria is open We-Mo 12:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00, so it is available on most days for dinner.
Check before you go
- Saint Peter's Basilica opening hours vary by season and day; check the official website for the exact time on 15 July 2027.
- La Vittoria is closed on Tuesdays. If visiting on a Tuesday, choose another restaurant from the list that is open.
Worth knowing
- La Vittoria is open at 21:04 only on Mo, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Rome/Vatican (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).