Janiculum Hill

Selfie at Fontana Paolo, Janiculum Hill

The Janiculum Hill is in Trastevere outside the boundaries of the ancient city, and not one of the preverbal seven hills.  But it still deserves recognition and visiting because it is the second tallest of all the hills and offers a scenic view of central Rome.  Janiculum is where Garibaldi battled the French during the struggle to defend the short lived Roman Republic of 1849.  There are many monuments to Garibaldi and the fallen soldiers.  One of them, commissioned by Mussolini, has a facist appearance but beautiful gold mosaics in the crypt. Andrea, the guide at the Mausoleum, was very friendly and chatty. He spent a great deal of time discussing Italian history and Janiculum Hill. 

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Other than the views, the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola was the highlight.  It was built in 1612 by Pope Paul V to mark the end of the rebuilt Acqua Traiana aqueduct and provide clean water to the residents of the hill. The sculptural theme is water.  

To fortify ourselves for the march up Janiculum Hill, we had our daily stuffing of pasta at Mani in Pasta, another highly recommended spot. The atmosphere was one of busy hustle, tight elbow to elbow tables.  Our waiter was a riot. We told him we would like a dish seen on the table next to us.  So he said, "This dish?"  Grabbed it and tried to serve us.  Everyone took it in stride.  This restaurant is know for its fish so we had vongole and spaghetti.  Pictures at flickr.

Observations of Two Visitors

     Young people will sit on the most dangerous precarious ledges.

      The Italian people are very friendly and nice.

      Garibaldi and Anna Maria, a love story.

Fountains

     Fontana del Prigione

     Fontana  dell'Aqua Paola