Via Giulia and other Rome, Italy Off The Beaten Path Tips

Via Giulia

Via Giulia is a beautiful street, almost one kilometre long, that leads from the city centre straight down to the Vatican. It was laid out in the 16th century by the famous architect Bramante on the orders of Pope Julius II, from whom the street gets its name. It is actually the longest street in Rome that is built in a straight line; to do so Bramante had to demolish many buildings that had been built along the previous (and much more crooked) street Via Magistralis. Its purpose was to accommodate the large numbers of pilgrims coming to Rome so that they could more easily reach the Vatican. Many beautiful buildings can be seen along this street; the most interesting part is the southeastern end, where you can find the Fontana del Mascherone, the church of Santa Maria in Orazione e Morte, the backside of the Palazzo Farnese (the inner courtyard is also visible from the back doorway), and the Farnese bridge with its hanging ivy.

Photo by sushimifune.

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Talking statues & Fountains: Fontana del Mascherone

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Written by jungles

on Jun 15, 2006

Fontana del Mascherone

This fountain is named the Fountain of the Big Mask, for obvious reasons. It was commissioned by the Farnese family and was sculpted by an unknown artist in 1626. The Farnese, who lived in the Palazzo Farnese just opposite the fountain (now the French embassy) were known for throwing extravagant parties in the piazza in front of their palace. On these occasions the fountain would flow not with water but with wine.

In fact, a similar tradition still takes place at the annual wine festival in Marino, a small village near Rome. The festival, called the Sagra dell'Uva, is held on the first Sunday of October. The highlight is the 'miracle' of the fountain, when the fountain in the main square of the village flows with wine, until the wine runs out. After that people start throwing grapes at each other and it turns into a big food fight.

Do take note that not only does the Fontana del Mascherone not flow with wine today, unlike most of Rome's fountains it does not even flow with potable water. There is a small sign saying 'non potabile" in Italian, but it's easy to miss. I have a feeling it comes directly from the filthy Tiber River nearby, which is pretty dangerous when so many people are used to drinking straight from the fountains.

Near the southeastern end of Via Giulia, just behind Palazzo Farnese. Photo by liamr

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Walking around: Michelangelo's bridge

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Written by jungles

on Jun 16, 2006

Bridge over Via Giulia

One of the loveliest street scenes in Rome is the view of this bridge that crosses over Via Giulia. One end of the bridge starts within the grounds of the Palazzo Farnese, the sumptuous palace of the Farnese family that is now the French embassy. The same family also owned a winter home - the Villa Farnesina, which lies directly on the other side of the Tiber River. The Farnese commissioned Michelangelo to design a private bridge that would enable them (and only them) to cross the river from one palace to another. The bridge was never actually completed and does not span the Tiber, but the part that does exist is a beautiful addition to Via Giulia.

Photo by sushimifune.

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Christian Rome: Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte

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Written by jungles

on Jun 16, 2006

The death church