Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

The basics

While it is possible to walk up to Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, there are easier options. Segway, scooter, and Vespa tours of the city make light work of the ascent, and allow you to cover more ground in limited time. Many sightseeing and food tours of the Trastevere neighborhood include a stop at Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi for its views, which stretch across the historic center of Rome.

Things to know before you go

• Wear sunscreen and a hat when visiting Piazzale Guiseppe Garibaldi, as it offers little shade.
• Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi is a great stop for families, with the small puppet theater and carnival rides nearby.
• At the foot of Janiculum Hill, you’ll find lots of cafés, restaurants, and bars in the mostly pedestrianized Trastevere neighborhood.

How to get there

Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi is situated atop Janiculum Hill in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. Walking up to the top can be strenuous. If you aren’t up for the uphill slog, ride the 115 bus up instead. Or, take a tour on wheels via Segway, Vespa, or scooter.

When to get there

Rise early to see the sunrise or go at sunset to admire the Roman skyline in the soft light of the fading sun. Alternatively, come at noon to hear the nearby Gianicolo Cannon ring in the hour.

Gianicolo Cannon

Every day at noon, a cannon near the piazza fires off a blank round, creating an almighty noise that reverberates around Trastevere and beyond. The tradition first began in 1847 as Pope Pius IX tried to set a standard time for Rome’s church bells. Though there was a hiatus during the World Wars, the cannon has been sounding off regularly since 1959. While it might make travelers jump, locals are used to its loud boom.

Ways to explore

While it is possible to walk up to Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi from Trastevere below, there are easier options. Golf cart, tuk-tuk, and scooter tours of the city make light work of the ascent, and allow you to cover more ground in a limited time and optimize your day in Rome. Many sightseeing and food tours of the Trastevere neighborhood also include a stop at Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi and the nearby Fontana dell’Acqua Paola for their views, which stretch across the historic center of Rome.

Accessibility

Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi sits atop a steep hill, which may pose a challenge for travelers in wheelchairs. The overlook itself is fully accessible.

Age limits

None, but youngsters may not love the uphill hike

What to pack

Binoculars, camera and battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Wear sunscreen and a hat as the area offers little shade.

Not allowed

Graffiti, love locks

Amenities

Public restroom (near the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola), food trucks selling snacks and drinks

Address

The square sits above the Trastevere neighborhood and is easy to reach on foot or by taxi from Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere’s central square. There are also public buses that stop in the square.

Driving

Though there is street parking in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, it is often full, and reaching the hilltop through Trastevere’s maze of 1-way streets can be stressful. Walk or take public transportation to the square instead.

Public transportation

To go by bus, take the 115 or 870 from the LGT Sassia/S. Spirito stop in front of Trastevere’s Santo Spirito Hospital directly to Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Best times to visit

The overlook is crowded with bus tours at midday, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewest visitors. Each day at noon, a shot is fired from the historic cannon just below the overlook.

Best days to visit

Visit on a clear, mild day to take advantage of the views from Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, among the best in Rome.

Best months to visit

The unforgiving summer sun and blustery winter weather can detract from the view. Visit in spring or fall to enjoy the panorama with mild weather.

Special events

The Piazza Gianicolo festival is held from mid-June to mid-September, featuring workshops, concerts, art exhibits, and other events in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi.