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Piazza Garibaldi and Borgo Pio in Terracina: the “grand parlour” conceived by Pope Pius VI
The elegant Piazza Garibaldi is situated in the heart of Borgo Pio, the lower part of Terracina created out of the great Pontine land reclamation project. This monumental space is the result of a 1794 design by celebrated architect Giuseppe Valadier, who envisioned a grand hemicycle to provide the city with a new urban centre. The idea came under the pontificate of Pius VI, who gave his name to the entire neighbourhood.
A building site spanning a century
Valadier's project was ambitious. Indeed, its construction lasted almost the entire 19th century. It was overseen by several professionals, including architect Antonio Sarti and engineer Luigi Mollari. They respected the original layout, completed the work and defined the layout we see today. It was the town's first truly modern public space.
A welcoming architecture
The defining element is the great porticoed "Semicircle". From this long curved building, two lateral end blocks emerge: on the left, Palazzo Spingardi, dating from 1794, and on the right, the Palazzina Comunale — today housing municipal offices — built between 1827 and 1830. Together they create a theatrical backdrop overlooking the main street.
The square is a public space, freely accessible at any hour.
