Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gianicolo
Today a tranquil and leafy area that combines Rome's finest views, embassies, monu-
ments, piazzas, Rome's botanical gardens and some beautiful architecture, it's difficult to
imagine today that in 1849 the Gianicolo was the scene of fierce and bloody fighting. A
makeshift army under Giuseppe Garibaldi defended Rome against French troops sent to
restore papal rule. The hill today is dotted by monuments to the Italian hero and his army
- Garibaldi is commemorated with a massive monument in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi,
while his Brazilian-born wife, Anita, has her own equestrian monument about 200m away
in Piazzale Anita Garibaldi; she died shortly after the siege from malaria, together with
their unborn child.
The Gianicolo is a superb viewpoint with sweeping panoramas over Rome's rooftops,
and has several summer-only bars that are blessed with thrilling views. There are also reg-
ular children's puppet shows on the hill, a long-standing tradition.
ORTO BOTANICO
GARDEN
( 06 499 17 107; Largo Cristina di Svezia 24; adult/reduced €8/4; 9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat Apr-mid-Oct,
9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat mid-Oct-Mar; Lgt della Farnesina, Piazza Trilussa)
Formerly the private grounds
of Palazzo Corsini, Rome's 12-hectare botanical gardens are a little-known, slightly
neglected-feeling gem and a great place to unwind in a tree-shaded expanse covering the
steep slopes of the Gianicolo, though the admission charge is unfortunately also a bit
steep.
Plants have been cultivated here since the 13th century. However, in their present form,
the gardens were established in 1883, when the grounds of Palazzo Corsini were given to
the University of Rome. They now contain up to 8000 species, including some of
Europe's rarest plants. You'll find a Japanese garden and some impressive bamboo, and a
collection of cacti in a glasshouse.
TEMPIETTO DI BRAMANTE & CHIESA
DI SAN PIETRO IN MONTORIO
CHURCH
(
www.sanpietroinmontorio.it
; Piazza San Pietro in Montorio 2; 8.30am-noon, also 3-4pm Tue-Sun; Via
Garibaldi)
Considered the first great building of the High Renaissance, Bramante's sublime
Tempietto is in the courtyard of the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio, on the spot where St
