Monument to Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, monument dedicated to Giuseppe Gioachino Belli in Rome, Italy
The Monument to Giuseppe Gioachino Belli is a marble and travertine statue in the Trastevere district that shows the Roman poet standing elegantly dressed with a top hat and walking stick. The base features reliefs depicting scenes of Roman life, while small fountains with stone masks on each side symbolize the themes of poetry and satire.
The monument was unveiled in 1913, marking the 50th anniversary of Belli's death in 1863. Sculptor Michele Tripisciano from Sicily created the statue after winning a competition held in 1911 to honor the life and legacy of Rome's most renowned dialect poet.
The name honors Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, a poet whose works preserved the everyday language and voice of Rome. Around the statue, reliefs depict scenes central to the city's identity - the Tiber river, the she-wolf with twins, and the Pasquino statue - details that reflect his deep connection to Rome's street life and satirical traditions.
The monument is located on a public square in Trastevere near the Tiber embankment and surrounded by cafes and shops. It is easily accessible on foot and makes a good stopping point after exploring the narrow streets of the neighborhood or visiting the nearby Basilica of Santa Cecilia.
Belli's original wooden walking stick was stolen multiple times by souvenir hunters, so it was replaced with a black iron rod designed to look like ebony. This detail shows how visitors and residents have shaped the monument over time through their interactions with it.
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