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The Gianicolo
does not count as one of the official seven hills of Rome,
but many Romans would argue it is the prettiest, overlooking
the City from the west, dotted with vast parks and
beautiful villas.
It is accessible by foot from Trastevere, and is worth the
climb on a beautiful day. Start up the winding V. Garibaldi,
past the
 convent
and Church oŁ S. Maria Sette Dolori , watching for a path
opening on the right that leads to a set of stairs that
bring you to the Piazza and Church of S. Pietro in Montorio,
rebuilt with the assistance of Ferdinand and Isabella of
Spain, on what was long believed to be the site of St.
Peter's crucifixion.
The church is both simple and lovely, but what continues to
draw admirers to this spot is the exquisite Tempietto di
Bramante in the cloister .to the right.
Follow the curving V. Garibaldi up and to the right to the
wonderful Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, set Into the wall of the
Spanish Academy, then turn up V. Giacomo Medici to V. Angelo
Masina for a peek at the American Academy of Rome,
established in 1894, and home to a rotating roster of
American scholars and artists invited for stays in Rome. At
the end of V. Masina, follow passeggiata del Gianicolo to
Piazzale Garibaldi to enjoy Its thrilling prospect over
Rome, then retrace your steps to V. Garibaldi and return to
the bottom of the hill.
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