Pincian hill: history, Villa Medici, Borghese Gallery, Piazza del Popolo

Address	Viale Gabriele D'Annunzio, Roma

Pincian hill (also Pincio) is located north of Quirinal hill. Although Pincian hill is not in the seven Roman hills list, it still retains position in the list of beloved tourists’ spots.

Contents

History

In the Ancient Rome times Pincian hill laid outside of the original city borders. However, soon emperor Aurelian built the wall and Pincian hill was contained within the wall’s borders. The hill got its name from Pincian family who owned the territory of the hill in 14th century. Due to the abundance of gardens on Pincian hill, it was also called Collis Hortulorum – garden hill. According to some sources, in Ancient times, the ashes of famous Emperor Nero were kept in the Domitius’ tomb on the slopes of the hill.

Modernity

Today the territory of the hill includes several famous villas and Piazza del Popolo. The construction of the hill and the square was commissioned by Napoleon and carried out by French architect Giuseppe Valadier in 1802-14. Valadier also constructed the famous Piazza del Popolo in 1816 and skillfully embedded it to the hillside of Pincio, thus successfully blending the natural and urban landscapes of the hill.

What to see

Following is the list of must-visit places and the instruction on how to get to Pincian hill.

Piazza del Popolo

The initial construction of Piazza del Popolo, or Square of People, was commissioned by Pope Sixtus V. From the square in the southern direction, you can see three streets radiating in parallel to each other. These are:

Corso (Via del Corso), the main shopping street of Rome;
Ripetta (Via di Ripetta);
Babuino (Via del Babuino).

The latter, Via del Babuino, will bring you to another historical hallmark of Rome – Spanish steps. Today, the square is pedestrian, meaning vehicle traffic on the territory of Piazza del Popolo is prohibited.

Right in the middle of the square you can see a tall Egyptian obelisk dedicated to Ramessess II, also called Flaminio obelisk. Initially, the obelisk was located on famous hippodrome Circo Massimo, but was transferred to Piazza del Popolo in 1589. The obelisk is 24 meters high and 3400 years old construction

On the north part of the square, you can see Porta del Popolo – the city’s northern gates. Piazza del Popolo is located at the beginning of Via Flaminio Street and, during Ancient Rome, played the role of the city entrance.

On the south side of the square, at the beginning of Corso Street, you can see two almost identical churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto. Both churches are beautiful examples of baroque style. Finally, on the east side of the square, there are Napoleon stairs that will bring you to the Pincio terrace where you can observe a panoramic view of the city.

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187

Borghese Gallery

Housed in Villa Borghese, the Borghese Gallery holds a rich collection of artwork, paintings, sculptures and antiquities. Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the construction of villa and gardens to Flemish architect Giovanni Vasanzio. The gallery exhibits art collection gathered together by Cardinal Scipione Borghese during 1576 to 1633.

Cardinal Borghese is considered to be the first patron of Bernini and an ardent connoisseur of Caravaggio’s artwork

Moreover, you can also visit a wonderful park of 80 ha spread all over the Pincian hill. The area was previously used as a vineyard and was completely transformed thanks to the work of master Pietro Bernini in 17th century. Today, the park is considered to be the most picturesque and extensive Roma parks.

Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197
Webpage: www.borghese.gallery

Villa Medici

The villa was acquired by Fernando de’ Medici in 1576. Since 1803 the villa houses French Academy in Rome, decision to move the academy was made by Napoleon Bonaparte. He hoped that young French artists will be inspired by the masterpieces of antiquity and the Renaissance. The villa is open to public for guided tours. Nevertheless, once visited Villa Medici you will be left by feeling of artistic satisfaction, as if you visited some kind of fairytale.

Address: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 am-5.30 pm (6:30 pm if there is an exhibition)
Guided Tours: 12 euro (6 euro reduced) – includes the guided tour of the Villa, the gardens and the temporary exhibition
Entry fee to exhibition: 6 euro

How to get

Address: Salita del Pincio

You can reach Pincian hill either by climbing the stairs on Piazza del Popolo or walk through Villa Borghese by following the signs towards the Pincian terrace.

Nearby Attractions

Water Clock

2 min 300 ft 90 m

Pincio Terrace

5 min 820 ft 250 m

Santa Maria del Popolo

6 min 1050 ft 320 m

Piazza del Popolo

7 min 1180 ft 360 m

Villa Borghese Gardens

9 min 1480 ft 450 m

Trinita dei Monti Church

12 min 1900 ft 580 m

Spanish Steps

12 min 1940 ft 590 m

Fontana della Barcaccia

12 min 1970 ft 600 m

House of Monsters

13 min 2200 ft 670 m

Ara Pacis

15 min 2400 ft 730 m

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

Pincian Hill