Doria Pamphilj Gallery

The view from the terrace of the Altare della Patria is breathtaking; it offers a sweeping view of Rome. The Pantheon is a stunning place steeped in history

There are days in Rome that, even if you've been visiting for years, still feel as good as the first time. Last week, some friends and I went to the Altare della Patria. The initial idea was the classic "let's go for a coffee and then see," but ending up on the roof of Rome is a whole other story. When you reach the top, the view slaps you in the face with history, but in an epic way. There's that mixture of blinding white marble and the sky of Rome, which always seems bluer than anywhere else. Once you reach the panoramic terrace, silence (or almost) descends on its own. I'm not going to give a history lesson, but seeing the Colosseum on one side, the Imperial Forums below your feet, and then turning your gaze towards the rooftops of Prati or St. Peter's... makes you feel very small, but in a positive way. It's the place where you really understand why this city is called "eternal." There's an atmosphere that makes you want to take a break from your phone. We sat down for a moment in a corner, watched the cars coming and going like ants down in the square, and talked about everything and nothing. It's the kind of place that makes you appreciate beauty effortlessly, without having to pay an exorbitant ticket price or stand in long lines indoors.

The audio guide of the gallery was wonderful. There was no time limit to be inside, we could see everything that interested us calmly.