The Janiculum

The Janiculum's view

The Janiculum

The Janiculum is a hill in western Rome. Although the second-tallest hill in the contemporary city of Rome, the Janiculum does not figure among the proverbial Seven Hills of Rome, being west of the Tiber and outside the boundaries of the ancient city.

The Janiculum is one of the best locations in Rome for a breathtaking view of the innumerable domes and bell towers that pierce the skyline of the multi-hued architectural museum. Other sights on the Janiculum include the church of San Pietro in Montorio, built upon the site formerly thought to be where St Peter was crucified; the small shrine known as the Tempietto, designed by Donato Bramante, marks the supposed site of Peter's death.

The View from the Janiculum

The Janiculum is the site of a battle in 1849 between the forces of Garibaldi, defending the revolutionary Roman Republic and French forces fighting to restore the Temporal power of the Pope over Rome. Because of this battle, several monuments to Garibaldi and to the fallen in the wars of Italian independence are on the Janiculum, as well.

Garibaldi monuments

The Aurelian Walls were carried up the hill to include the water mills used to grind grain towards providing bread flour for the city. The mill was, thus, it is presumed, built at the same time as or before the walls were built by the emperor Aurelian. The mills were supplied from an aqueduct, where it plunged down a steep hill.

The mill complex is considered the biggest ancient mill complex.