English School, circa 1830

This panorama was probably viewed from the top of Monte Mario, which lies to the north-west side of the city. The view includes the River Tiber, winding from the left-hand side towards the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica that lie to the right of the picture. The area in the foreground, which was taken up by fields in the 19th Century when the present watercolour was executed, is now the suburb of Rome called Prati. On the horizon can be seen the Seven Hills of Rome, which are all located in the south-east of the city and include the Palatine Hill where Romulus was traditionally said to have begun building the city.