08/07/2019
The Pincian Hill, one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the Capital, is a Roman hill (although not one of the Seven Hills) offering a breathtaking view of the Piazza del Popolo and the city. It is part of the Villa Borghese and is within the Aurelian Walls. The balcony overlooks the Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Medici.
The site was coveted by ancient Romans, who built villas and gardens (horti) here.
The name “Pincian” comes from one of the families that settled here: the Pincii. The present “Muro torto” (“Twisted Wall”) is part of the foundations of their villa.
The aristocrat Lucullus, famous for his wealth and banquets, also had holdings in this area. The so-called “horti luculliani” (Lucullus Gardens) eventually merged with the horti sallustiani (Sallust Gardens), owned by the Latin historian Sallust. It is no coincidence that the Pincian Hill has been called “the Hill of Gardens.”