Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Just a 12-minute walk from QuodLibet B&B, Via della Conciliazione is one of Rome’s most symbolic streets, connecting St. Peter’s Square with the heart of the city. This grand avenue, lined with elegant buildings and historic sites, represents more than just a route to the Vatican; it embodies a complex history of conflict, diplomacy, and reconciliation between the Papacy and the Italian State.
The Historical Background: The Papal States and the Kingdom of Italy
To understand the significance of Via della Conciliazione, it’s important to first explore the historical context. Before the Presa di Roma (Capture of Rome) in 1870, the Pope ruled over the Papal States, a vast territory that included much of central Italy. The Pope held both religious and temporal power, making the Papal States a significant political entity. However, the unification of Italy in the 19th century, known as the Risorgimento, aimed to bring all Italian territories under one national government, leading to a direct conflict with the Papal authority.
The turning point came on September 20, 1870, when Italian troops breached the Aurelian Walls at Porta Pia, effectively ending the Pope’s temporal rule and annexing Rome to the Kingdom of Italy. This event, known as the Capture of Rome, marked the end of the Papal States and the beginning of a tense relationship between the Vatican and the Italian government. For nearly 60 years, the Popes considered themselves “prisoners in the Vatican,” refusing to leave the Vatican grounds as a protest against the Italian state’s encroachment on their sovereignty.
The Lateran Pacts and the Birth of Via della Conciliazione
The standoff between the Vatican and the Italian state continued until 1929, when Benito Mussolini and Pope Pius XI signed the Lateran Pacts. These agreements formally recognized the Vatican City as an independent sovereign state and established Catholicism as Italy’s state religion. The Lateran Pacts were a crucial step in normalizing relations between the Church and the Italian government, finally reconciling decades of conflict.
In this spirit of reconciliation, the idea for Via della Conciliazione was conceived. The name itself, which means “Road of the Reconciliation,” reflects the purpose of the street: to symbolize the newly restored relationship between the Vatican and the Italian state. The avenue was designed to provide a grand and direct approach to St. Peter’s Basilica, visually emphasizing the connection between the Vatican and Rome.
The Construction and Impact on the Borgo Neighborhood
The construction of Via della Conciliazione was not without controversy. The area known as the Rione Borgo, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, was significantly altered to make way for the new avenue. The Borgo had been a dense, medieval quarter filled with narrow streets and historic buildings, many of which were demolished to create the wide, monumental avenue we see today. The decision to “sbancare” (clear out) large parts of the Borgo was driven by a desire to create an impressive entryway to St. Peter’s, but it also meant the loss of a significant part of Rome’s historical fabric.
The construction of Via della Conciliazione began in 1936 and was completed in time for the Holy Year of 1950. The project was led by architects Marcello Piacentini and Attilio Spaccarelli, who were tasked with creating a street that balanced modernity with the grandeur of the Vatican. While the street has become one of Rome’s most iconic thoroughfares, the transformation of the Borgo has been a point of reflection and critique for historians and architects alike.
Via della Conciliazione Today
Today, Via della Conciliazione stands as a symbol of the complex relationship between the Church and the Italian state. It is not only a route to one of the most important religious sites in the world, but also a testament to the diplomatic efforts that reshaped the political and urban landscape of Rome. The wide, straight avenue offers stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
For guests at QuodLibet B&B, Via della Conciliazione is easily accessible and provides a direct route to the Vatican. As you walk along this historic avenue, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history embedded in its stones—from the days of the Papal States to the present. The street is lined with cafes, souvenir shops, and historic buildings, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the surroundings.
The Legacy of Reconciliation
Via della Conciliazione is more than just a street; it is a symbol of reconciliation and the enduring relationship between the Vatican and Rome. Its creation marked the end of a long-standing conflict and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of both the Church and the Italian state. As you explore this iconic avenue, you are walking through a living testament to the power of diplomacy and the lasting impact of history on the urban landscape.
When you stay at QuodLibet B&B, you’re not just close to the Vatican—you’re also perfectly situated to explore the rich history that has shaped Rome into the city it is today. A stroll down Via della Conciliazione is a journey through time, offering insights into the events and decisions that have defined both Rome and the Vatican.
