The Quirinal -3/7 Hills of Rome

The Quirinale is situated above the centre of Rome, not far away from the Trevi fountain. If you find yourself by this fountain, take Via di S. Vincenzo and make a left turn up Via della Dataria which will take you directly to Piazza del Quirinale. The Quirinale Hill is the tallest hill out of the Seven Hills of Rome, leaving you with a spectacular view over Rome.

History of the Hill:

The Hill has been around since very early history. The Romans built temples for a few Gods; in fact the Quirinal Hill takes its name from God Quirinus, whose temple was once built here in the 4thcentury B. C.

As i have previously mentionned, the Quirinale is the highest hill in Rome, therefore during the Roman times I Patrizi (also known as the Patricians in English. These were the ruling classes in Italy during the Roman times) built their villas here. In fact you can still see the remains when you visit the Palazzo del Quirinale and it's gardens. The most important site on this hill is the Palazzo del Quirinale. In the sixteenth Century, the Pope Gregorio XIII decided to have his “summer house” built upon this hill because he found it was more ventilated in the warm weather compared to the Vatican. Many famous architects and artists such as Ponzio and Bernini contributed to this beautiful building. Today this is the home of the president of the Italian Republic “Sergio Mattarella”.

What to Visit on the Quirinale Hil:

Palazzo del Quirinale & Giardini:

In order to have a tour around the Quirinale Palace, you must make a reservation either by telephone or online at least five days before the tour. The tours are available Tuesday-Sunday and there are two types: Itinirary 1 which includes the tour of the Bel étage and the ground floor. This tour lasts 1hr20 minutes and it is free of charge, except for the 1. 50 euros booking fee. The second Itinerary includes also the Vasella room, the gardens and the collection of Carriages in the Museum. This tour lasts 2hr30 minutes and has a cost of 10 Euros. I would highly recommend the second tour as the gardens are the highlight of the itinerary in my opinion.

Book here: Palazzo del Quirinale

Sant’Andrea al Quirinale:

This church is situated on the famous Via del Quirinale on Mount Quirinus. It is a church designed by Italy’s most famous architect Lorenzo Bernini. It was built in the seventeenth century. From the outside you will see the façade composed of two collumns standing on a few steps which is the entrance to the building. From the outside this church looks very simple, however when you enter you will be stunned by how pretty and elaborate it is. The church is rich in it's decoration of marble and gold mosaic.

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane:

This church is also situated on Via del Quirinale, just a few meters after Sant'Andrea al Quirinale. It is a roman catholic church designed by Francesco Borromini, the other famous Italian architect. This church was part of the monastic buildings, a convent commissionned by the Trinitarians. The structure is stunning baroque architecture built in the seventeenth century. The building is very intricate and alongside is a little cloister. I think all in all the best part of this structure is the façade; I may have spent 10 minutes just staring up at this baroque masterpiece.

Quattro Fontane:

Quattro fontane is four fountains situated on the crossroads between Via del Quirinale and Via delle Quattro Fontane. These are late renaissance fountains built in the sixteenth century. The first fountain symbolizes the river tiber; the second fountain symbolizes the river Aniene; the third fountain symbolizes the Goddess Diana (symbol of chastity) and the fourth fountain symbolizes Goddess Juno (symbol of strenght). I find this square incredibly interesting and it is something not many people notice, however if you find yourself on the square I would highly recommend having a look at these beautiful renaissance sculptures.

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