The mount of Gianicolo, (Janiculum) in Trastevere, overlooks the Vatican City. From the top you can admire one of the most suggestive and romantic views of the historical centre of Rome.

During the Risorgimento (the period leading up to the unification of Italy), many heroic events of the defenders of the Roman Republic took place here following an internal revolt that had taken Pope Pius IX’s temporal powers away.

To commemorate the patriotic essence of the history of this place, an equestrian statue depicting episodes from the Garibaldian battles was then built in the following years. Busts of the patriots who fought to defend and free Rome were also erected along the pathway that leads to the top of Gianicolo.

In the nearby church of San Pietro in Montorio you can admire the Tempietto del Bramante, considered one of the most significative examples of Renaissance architecture.

On the spot where via Garibaldi meets the top of Gianicolo, you can find the Fountain of Acqua Paola, built to celebrate the restoration of the ancient Traiano acqueduct.

It is interesting to know that three soldiers fire a blank shot from a cannon at 12 noon every day on the terrace below the statue. This tradition, which was moved to the Janiculum Hill in 1904, goes back to the times of Pius IX, who instituted this service in 1846 to help his people tell the time of day.