Trilussa Square (Piazza Trilussa) in Rome was previously known as “Piazza Ponte Sisto”. It is one of the must-visit places during your visit to famous Trastevere district. If Trastevere area is famous for the best bars and restaurants, Piazza Trilussa is the main spot where people enjoy music played by local street musicians while drinking wine or beer. This square is definitely one of the best places to visit if you are looking for relaxing, friendly and warm atmosphere!

What to See

During the day time there are often different art exhibitions on the Trilussa Square. So, if you are looking to buy some unusual souvenirs or clothes, this place is for you. Most of the art exhibitors usually come during the weekend in first half of the day. The square is surrounded by charming bars and local restaurants. You come to this area not only for food or drinks experience, but also for the atmosphere and views that you get with it.

However, when it comes to the evening time, especially in warm days, everyone is going out from their homes to enjoy the atmosphere of night Trastevere. Piazza Trilussa became famous because of its fountain and stairs where usually there are more than 100 people sitting with drinks and enjoying music.

History

The square is dedicated to the Roman poet Carlo Alberto Camilo Mariano Salustri (1871-1950), known as Trilussa. At the heart of this zone is the fountain of Ponte Sisto, also known as the Fountain of the Cento Preti, created by the Dutch architect Jan van Santen (Giovanni Vasanzio), who is also famous for being the author of the construction of the Casino Nobile of Villa Borghese Pinciana (where the Borghese Gallery is located).

The Statue

The bronze statue of Trilussa located in the square was made in 1954 by the sculptor Lorenzo Ferri. It is in a defiled position and was criticized by the poet’s friends, who did not recognize him in that pose. Next to the statue of Trilussa there is a tombstone with the text of his poem “In the Shadow” (Italian:”All’Ombra”):

”Mentre me leggo er solito giornale spaparacchiato all’ombra d’un pajaro, vedo un porco e je dico: – Addio, majale! vedo un ciuccio e je dico: – Addio, somaro! Forse ‘ste bestie nun me capiranno, ma provo armeno la soddisfazzione de poté dì le cose come stanno senza paura de finì in priggione”.

Most probably it was chosen because it is the work that best reflects the moralism, the open wit that the poet was nourishing towards “people”.

The Fountain

The fountain located in the Trilussa Square originally was located at the bottom of Via Giulia. In 1870, with the plan to widen the Tiber River banks, the palace to which it leant was demolished and the fountain was moved and stored in the city’s storage. In 1898, the fountain was recovered and reconstructed by the architect Angelo Vescovali on the place where we can see it nowadays, on the slopes of a famous staircase.

How to Find

If you are in the historical center of Rome, you will easily get to the Trilussa Square and Trastevere area. The bridge which leads directly to the square is Ponte Sisto. It was wanted by Pope Sisto IV della Rovere during the Jubilee of 1475 to facilitate the transit between Trastevere and the Vatican with the rest of the city. Another bridge located right nearby Ponte Sisto, which will also lead you to the area close to Piazza Trilussa is Ponte Garibaldi, built at the end of the 19th century by the architect Angelo Vescovali.

If you want to get a taxi from your hotel or apartment, I recommend you to use taxi fares calculator to see the price of a ride in advance.