Belvedere Tarpeo

Belvedere Tarpeo Review

This was the infamous Tarpeian Rock from which traitors were hurled to the ground in Roman times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a popular stop for people making the Grand Tour, because of the view it gave of the Palatine Hill. Today, the Belvedere viewing point has actually been long shuttered for restoration, but you can proceed a short walk down to Via di Monte Tarpeio where the view is spectacular enough. It was on this Rock that, in the 7th century BC, Tarpeia betrayed the Roman citadel to the early Romans' sworn enemies, the Sabines, only asking in return to be given the heavy gold bracelets the Sabines wore on their left arm. The scornful Sabines did indeed shower her with their gold, then added the crushing weight of their heavy shields, also carried on their left arm.