Villa Spada al Gianicolo, Renaissance villa on Janiculum Hill, Rome, Italy
Villa Spada al Gianicolo is a Renaissance villa located on Janiculum Hill in Rome, featuring a three-story structure with a light-colored facade and gray stone decorations. A double staircase and a shell-shaped fountain at the entrance are the building's defining architectural features.
The villa was built in 1639 by architect Francesco Baratta for Vincenzo Nobili. It later served as a military headquarters during the 1849 Roman Republic, marking a key moment in the city's political history.
The architecture blends Renaissance style with classical elements such as oval windows, stone eagles, and Latin inscriptions referring to ancient Roman aqueducts. These details show how the builders wanted to emphasize the connection to Rome's ancient past.
The villa is located at Via Giacomo Medici 1 on Janiculum Hill, offering views over Rome from its elevated position. Since 1946 it has functioned as an embassy, which may limit visitor access to the building.
During the 1849 siege, Colonel Luciano Manara led his Lombard Bersaglieri soldiers in defending the building until final surrender. This heroic chapter is part of the dramatic events that unfolded on Janiculum Hill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
