A bit further along, we came upon the Muro della Costituzione Romana, which is a panel set into a wall of the terrace where the Constitution of the Republic is inscribed.  This was put in place in 2013, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy.

Villa Lante was designed by Giulio Romano in 1520, as a summer home for Baldassare Turini, who was a Papal official, and a close friend of Raphael’s.  Today, the villa houses the Embassy of Finland to the Holy See.  Throughout the ages, the view of the city from the villa has been captured by many artists, including Giorgio Vasari and J. M. W. Turner.

The Faro di Roma, also known as the Lighthouse of Gianicolo, or otherwise as the Lighthouse of the Italians of Argentina, dates from 1911, and was designed by the architect Manfredo Manfredi.  It was built by a group of Italians living in Buenos Aires, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Unification of Italy.

A plaque marks the spot where the famed sixteenth-century poet, Torquato Tasso, who was staying at the nearby Convent of Sant’Onofrio, would sit every day, at the foot of an oak tree, waiting for word that the Pope was going to officially acknowledge his accomplishments.  The poet died a few days before receiving that honor from the Pope, and later, in the early twentieth century, the oak was struck by lightening.  What we see today, upheld by metal and concrete, is all that remains of the tree.

Back in Trastevere, the Basilica di San Crisogono might not be on everyone’s list of things to do while in Rome, but I highly recommend taking a half hour or so, to visit this beautiful church, and its wonderful subterranean section.  The church is dedicated to San Crisogono, or Saint Chrysogonus.  It was originally built in the 4th century, and later rebuilt in the 12th century, and again in the 17th century.

For a nominal fee, one can access a flight of stairs from the sacristy, which lead underground, where you can see remains of the first church as well as Roman houses, dating from the reign of Constantine I.  When we visited, we had the archaeological area to ourselves, making it an even nicer experience.

It being our last night in Rome, we went to La Botticella for dinner.  We had a wonderful meal, visited with our friends a bit, and then headed back to the apartment, as we had to travel the next morning.  The only thing that ever makes leaving Rome bearable is knowing that we will be back, in the not too distant future!

 

Next up: We head north, to the small village of Casorate Sempione!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Rome, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!