Quercia del Tasso, Oak tree on Janiculum Hill, Rome, Italy.
The Quercia del Tasso is an ancient oak tree on Janiculum Hill accompanied by a decorative fountain. Stone inscriptions near the tree reference Tasso, creating a small literary landmark on the hillside.
The oak takes its name from Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso, who reportedly rested beneath its branches during his time in Rome. A fountain was added beside it in the late 1920s as part of efforts to introduce new public art across the city.
The tree and fountain nearby display lines from Tasso's poem Gerusalemme Liberata carved into stone, linking nature to Italian literature. Visitors can read verses that have sat here for nearly a century.
The tree sits in an open area on Janiculum Hill and can be visited any time during daylight hours. The hillside location offers good views of Rome, so plan your visit accordingly based on time of day and weather.
The fountain beside the tree resulted from a 1920s design competition aimed at replacing mass-produced cast iron fountains throughout Rome with artistic alternatives. This public art initiative transformed how many public spaces looked across the city.
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