Rome’s Janiculum Hill
Apr 19th, 2008 by Xtine71
Janiculum Hill is overlooking Tiber river and is on the side of Trastevere and is one of Rome’s 7 hills.
It had always plyed a part in the Rome’s defense against possible attacks of invaders.
The last invasion took place in 1849 when Garibaldi stopped the french troops on that very hill.
In the park on the top of the Janiculum hill there are various monuments of Garibaldi and his soldiers.
A huge equestrian statue and is a part of a park that commemorates the heroic events happned on Janiculum when the French army attacked the city in 1849. On its base is an inscription that says.’Roma o Morte’-Rome or Death.
Garibaldi’s army foughtfor weeks the greatly superior French forces until the italians were overwhelmed and eventually Garibaldi and his men escaped.
This monument was erected in 1895 and is a piece by Emilio Gallori. Around the pedestal are four smaller sculptures in bronze showing battle scenes and allegorical figures.
Nowadays this green area of Rome is a beautiful and popular place to have walks and to enjoy the view to the city and at night, it becomes a suggestive and romantic place for lovers. In medieval times the hill has been occupied by monasteries and convents, however now visitors are offered entertainments for children, along with bars with food available too.
The park monuments include also Statue of Garibaldi’s wife who is known to be patriotic and is buried under the monuments and The Lighthouse which is a gift to the city of Rome from Italians in Argentina.
Another site worth seeing is in Via della Lungara where stands the Palazzo Corsini with its national art collection and the Villa Farnesina, decorated by Raphael for his friend and patron banker Agostino Chigi.
Near by are The Botanical Gardens established in 1883 when part of the grounds of Palazzo Corsini were given to the University of Rome.
How to get there. If you decide to stay at My Hotel Rome, which is conveniently located in the centre : walk to Termini Station and take bus H which will take you to Trastevere.
From there you can or just take a hike to the hill or take a bus 870 that will take you to the top of the hill.