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
Perched above Piazza del Popolo and offering one of the most breathtaking views of Rome, the Pincio Hill is not only a place of beauty and relaxation but also a celebration of Italy’s most illustrious figures. The busts of the Pincio, scattered along its pathways, create an open-air museum that pays homage to the people who shaped the nation’s history, art, literature, and science.
For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the Pincio is just a short stroll away, offering not only stunning views of the city but also an opportunity to delve into Italy’s rich cultural legacy.
The Origin of the Busts
The busts that line the Pincio Gardens (or Giardino del Pincio) were part of a 19th-century initiative to celebrate Italy’s national heritage. During the 19th century, Italy was going through a period of cultural and political transformation, culminating in the Unification of Italy. In this context, Rome sought to memorialize important historical and cultural figures, reflecting the nationalistic pride of the time.
In 1849, Pope Pius IX approved the installation of the first busts as part of the larger transformation of the Pincio Hill into a public park. The project continued throughout the century, with new busts being added to celebrate figures from a wide range of fields, including literature, music, politics, and science.
Who Are the Busts Dedicated To?
There are currently 229 busts scattered across the Pincio Gardens, each one honoring a notable figure in Italian history. Some of the most famous personalities immortalized in marble include:
- Dante Alighieri: The author of the Divine Comedy and often regarded as the father of the Italian language.
- Leonardo da Vinci: The Renaissance polymath whose contributions to art, science, and invention are still celebrated worldwide.
- Michelangelo Buonarroti: The master sculptor and painter responsible for some of the most iconic works in Western art, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi: One of the central figures in the Italian unification, known as the “Hero of the Two Worlds.”
- Galileo Galilei: The pioneering astronomer and physicist who revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos.
Other notable figures include Gioachino Rossini, Raffaello Sanzio, and Giovanni Boccaccio. The collection spans a broad spectrum of Italy’s history, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s intellectual and cultural achievements.
The Transformation of the Pincio
The Pincio Hill has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome when it was known as Mons Pincius, named after the Pincii family who lived there. However, the transformation into a public garden did not occur until the early 19th century when Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the redesign of the hill. Under Napoleon’s rule, the French sought to create a public space that reflected both Roman grandeur and the more refined elegance of Parisian parks.
The design of the Pincio Gardens was carried out by Giuseppe Valadier, one of Rome’s most important neoclassical architects. Valadier’s vision combined wide avenues, lush greenery, and fountains, creating a space that provided respite from the busy urban environment while celebrating Rome’s artistic heritage. Today, it remains one of the most beloved parks in the city.
Villa Borghese and the Pincio Gardens
The Pincio Hill is part of the larger Villa Borghese Gardens, a sprawling urban park that offers some of the best green spaces in Rome. Originally the private estate of the Borghese family, Villa Borghese was transformed into a public park in the early 20th century. Alongside the Pincio, Villa Borghese offers museums, lakes, and a variety of activities, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
At the Terrazza del Pincio, visitors can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rome, with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica rising in the distance. This terrace is especially popular at sunset, when the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, offering a picture-perfect moment for anyone visiting the city.
A Stroll Through History
Walking through the Pincio Gardens, surrounded by the busts of Italy’s greatest minds, offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the country’s long and rich history. Each statue tells a story, and while many of these figures lived centuries ago, their influence can still be felt today in Italian culture and beyond.
For visitors staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, a walk through the Pincio is just a 20-minute walk away, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely morning or evening stroll through the heart of Rome.
