Quirinale is the tallest of the seven hills of Rome and it represents the political and historical centre of the city. The name derives from the sabine god “Quirino”: according to the legend, a community of Sabines settled on the hill, after concluding a peace agreement with the Romans. After his death, Romolo was associated with God Quirino, and a temple was built to celebrate this union. Also the term “Quirites” derives from the name of the god: it was a civil and ceremonial endonym for Roman citizens in times of peace. During the imperial period, the hill was incorporated into the city walls, and then it became the official residence of popes and kings, eventually becoming, in modern time, the site of the Quirinal Palace and the residence of The President of Italy.
WHAT TO VISIT
Palazzo del quirinale: the Residence of the President of Italy, with historical apartments and magnificent gardens.
Fontana di Trevi: the most famous Baroque fountain of the city, inspired to the theme of the sea and known all over the world for the coin ritual (it is just a few steps away from the hill).
Scuderie del Quirinale: this is where we can see international art exhibitions.
Baroque masterpieces: close to the palace, there is the “crossroads of the four fountains” where we can admire the Church of “san Carlo alle 4 fontane” and the Church of “Sant’Andrea al quirinale”, designed respectively by artists Borromini and Bernini.
Palazzo della consulta: the official site of the Constitutional Court.
Therefore the quirinale is a manifesto of architecture and power, where people can admire the works of the most important and magnificent artists of the Renaissance and Baroque.
