Park of Villa Glori

Villa Glori, located in the Parioli district of Rome, is a vast park of about 25 hectares that offers a peaceful and green refuge in the heart of the city. The park is also known as Parco della Rimembranza, in memory of the fallen of all wars. The history of Villa Glori is rich in significant events, dating back to the 19th century, and reflects the transformation of a rural area into a public space dedicated to memory and leisure. The park was inaugurated in 1924 and designed by the architect Raffaele De Vico. Its creation was part of a larger post-war urban redevelopment project, which involved the creation of green spaces dedicated to the commemoration of fallen soldiers. Villa Glori is located on Monte Caciarello, a hill sloping towards the Tiber River and offering splendid views of the city. The park is characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, with pine trees, holm oaks, and cypresses creating a pleasant and relaxing environment. One of the most significant episodes related to Villa Glori is the battle that took place there in 1867, during the campaign for the liberation of Rome. Enrico Cairoli, an Italian patriot, met his death in this place. A dry almond tree, still present in the park and protected by a fence, marks the exact spot where Cairoli was killed. This place has become a symbol of sacrifice and courage, also commemorated by a column dedicated to the fallen of 1867. Villa Glori has hosted numerous cultural and social events over the years. In the 1920s, three wooden pavilions dedicated to Ettore Marchiafava were built, intended to serve as a clinic and summer camp for poor children at risk of tuberculosis. This healthcare tradition has continued over time and, since 1988, the facilities have been entrusted to Caritas Roma, which has used them to accommodate patients with AIDS. The park of Villa Glori is also known for its permanent exhibition of contemporary sculptures, entitled “Crossing the Threshold.” Inaugurated in 1997 at the initiative of art critic Daniela Fonti, the exhibition integrates art, culture, and nature in a path that crosses the park, with works by artists such as Giuseppe Uncini, Paolo Canevari, Maria Dompè, and Jannis Kounellis. This exhibition aims to promote a message of solidarity and inclusion, using art as a tool to overcome cultural differences.