Colle del Gianicolo
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Why go
- The equestrian monuments to Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi, commemorating the 1849 defence of the Roman Republic.
- Views over central Rome’s domes and bell towers.
Don't miss
- TempiettoBramante’s shrine marks the supposed site of Peter’s death.San Pietro in Montorio
- Fontana dell’Acqua PaolaA Baroque fountain built by Pope Paul V.Gianicolo Hilllate 17th century
- Garibaldi equestrian monumentEmilio Gallori’s monument stands at the hill’s crest.Piazzale Garibaldi1895
- Noon cannonA blank shot fires once at noon beneath the Garibaldi statue.Beneath the Garibaldi statueToday
Interesting facts4
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Gianicolo is outside Rome’s traditional seven hills, though it is sometimes called the eighth hill.
Janicule - Wikipedia -
It is the second tallest hill in contemporary Rome, after Monte Mario.
Janiculum - Wikipedia -
A grove and temple dedicated to Furrina once occupied part of the hill.
Gianicolo - Wikipedia -
An ombù grows beside the Faro; only two other specimens are known in Rome.
Gianicolo - Wikipedia
History
Gianicolo’s outlook made it useful for worship and defense. The hill held temples and sacred groves in ancient times, and its water mills supplied Rome with flour until Goths cut their water in 537. Monuments to Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi, busts of the defenders, and the belvedere’s inscribed constitution mark that history. The hill’s noon cannon tradition began in 1847 and resumed in 1959.
- Ancient RomeGianicolo was a center for worship of Janus, and augurs used its outlook to observe auspices. A sacred wood and temple to Furrina also stood on the hill.
- third century ADWater mills were built beside the Aqua Traiana to grind grain for Rome. The Aurelian Walls were extended over the hill to include them in AD 270–275.
- 537The mills were still operating when besieging Goths cut off their water supply.
- 17th centuryThe hill was enclosed within the walls of Urban VIII, also called the Gianicolensi walls.
- 1849Garibaldi’s forces defended the Roman Republic against French troops on the hill before being defeated.
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- 1895Emilio Gallori’s equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi was unveiled at the hill’s highest point, with busts of Italian freedom fighters nearby.
- 1911The Faro del Gianicolo was built by Manfredo Manfredi and donated by Italians who had emigrated to Argentina.
- 1932Mario Rutelli’s equestrian statue of Anita Garibaldi was made; her remains lie in its base.
- 1959The noon cannon resumed firing after a wartime pause.
Tips for your visit
- Follow the tree-lined Passeggiata del Gianicolo alongside Villa Aurelia to Piazzale Garibaldi.
- Look for 84 marble busts on the slope below the Fontanone di Paolo V and along the road toward San Pietro.
- Read the 1849 Roman Republic constitution on the belvedere balustrade.
- Porta San Pancrazio houses the Museum of the Roman Republic and Garibaldi memory.
Sources: Janiculum - Wikipedia · Gianicolo - Wikipedia · Janicule - Wikipedia · Gianicolo - Wikipedia · checked 28 Oct 2026
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
What can I see at Colle del Gianicolo?
The hill has views over central Rome, the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, Bramante’s Tempietto, and monuments to Giuseppe and Anita Garibaldi.
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