The Janiculum (Gianicolo): Rome's Viewpoint and the Noon Cannon

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Janiculum (Gianicolo in Italian) is the hill that rises above Trastevere, on the west bank of the Tiber. It is not one of Rome's seven historic hills, but its terrace, Piazzale Garibaldi, offers one of the most complete panoramas of the city: domes, roofs and bell towers of the centre, with the Alban Hills on the horizon on a clear day. Every day at noon a cannon fires a blank shot here. Access is free at any hour. Allow an hour for the terrace and the promenade, more if you continue to San Pietro in Montorio and the Paola Fountain.

Highlights

The noon cannon

Every day at noon, Italian Army gunners fire a blank shot from the terrace below the Garibaldi monument. The custom dates from 1 December 1847, under Pius IX: it gave the time to the whole city, whose churches then ring their bells. The cannon has stood on the Janiculum since 24 January 1904. Get there a little before noon: the terrace fills up.

The Garibaldi monument

The equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, by Emilio Gallori and unveiled in 1895, stands in the middle of the piazzale. It recalls the defence of the Roman Republic in 1849, whose battles were fought on this hill. Along the Janiculum promenade, busts of patriots of the period line the path.

The Paola Fountain

Nicknamed "il Fontanone", this monumental fountain was completed in 1612 for Pope Paul V, when the Aqua Paola aqueduct brought water from Lake Bracciano. It stands on Via Garibaldi, below the terrace, and its five arches look good at sunset.

The panorama

From the terrace you can pick out the Vittoriano, the dome of Sant'Andrea della Valle, the Pantheon and, further left, the dome of St Peter's. In the evening the city lights up and the terrace stays open.

Practical info

Tips

Come before noon to find a spot at the parapet, especially at weekends and in spring. The cannon shot is loud: warn young children. The drinks kiosks on the terrace are more expensive than in town. To go down to Trastevere, take the steps from Via Garibaldi or Via del Gianicolo; the view over the rooftops goes with you.

How to get there

Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00153 Rome. No metro: from Trastevere, allow about 20 minutes' uphill walk along Via Garibaldi (starting from Piazza Trilussa), or take an ATAC bus serving the Janiculum (check the current route on the operator's website). From the Vatican, about 25 minutes on foot.