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Villa Glori Park: the Roman hill, with Risorgimento heroes and contemporary art
Between the Parioli and Flaminio districts of Rome stretches a hill with a dual soul. The Parco di Villa Glori is a place that unites the silence of the Parco della Rimembranza with contemporary art installations scattered all over the park. This is a former hunting ground transformed into a memorial.
The sacrifice of the Cairoli brothers
Its fame is tied to a dramatic episode of the Risorgimento. In October 1867, brothers Enrico and Giovanni Cairoli took refuge here with a handful of volunteers. Discovered by papal troops, they fought back: Enrico died and Giovanni was gravely wounded. Not far from the almond tree where Enrico fell, a commemorative column recalls their ill-fated attempt.
A park to keep memories alive
The park itself is a memorial. Architect Raffaele De Vico designed it in 1924 in honour of those who fell in the Great War, though it was later re-dedicated to all the war dead of Rome. In their honour, a large iron cross stands tall on the main square. Today, alongside this memory, works by artists such as Kounellis and Staccioli enter into dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
An underground secret
On the northern slope of the hill, a hypogeum carved into the tufa lies hidden. It was discovered by chance in 1794. Its original layout dates back to the Antonine period, but it was used extensively between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. This small archaeological surprise is often unknown even to Rome’s citizens.
Entrance to the park is free of charge. For more information, contact Turismo Roma.
