Piazza di San Calisto: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Did you know that there is a palace in Rome that belongs to the Vatican but is not inside its walls? It is the Palazzo San Callisto, a Baroque building that overlooks the Piazza di San Calisto, a charming square in the heart of Trastevere. This piazza is not as famous as the nearby Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, but it has its own charm and history that make it worth a visit.

In this article, we will explore the origins, historical significance, lesser-known stories, intriguing facts and dark histories of this piazza and its surroundings. We will also discover some local folklore and legends that add to its mystery and allure. Let's dive in!

Historical Context

The name of the piazza comes from the small church of San Callisto, which stands on its eastern side. The church was built in the 8th century on the site of an ancient Roman house where, according to tradition, Pope Callixtus I was martyred in the year 222. He was thrown into a well by his enemies and drowned. The well is still visible in the courtyard of the Palazzo San Callisto, which was erected in the 17th century as the residence of the titular cardinals of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. The palace was later acquired by Pope Paul V, who granted it to the Benedictine monks who had to leave their previous monastery due to an extension of the Quirinal Palace. The palace took the name of the church and became one of the extraterritorial properties of the Holy See in Rome, meaning that it enjoys diplomatic immunity and is not subject to Italian law.

The piazza has witnessed many historical events and personalities over the centuries. For example, in 1849, during the Roman Republic, Giuseppe Garibaldi defended the piazza from the French troops who tried to restore the papal authority. He used the Palazzo San Callisto as his headquarters and barricaded himself inside with his men. The piazza was also the scene of a tragic episode in 1943, when a group of Nazi soldiers raided a Jewish school that was located in a building next to the church. They arrested 20 children and two teachers and deported them to Auschwitz, where they were killed. A plaque on the wall commemorates their memory.

The piazza is also rich in artistic and cultural heritage. On its western side, there is a beautiful fountain that dates back to 1695 and was designed by Carlo Fontana. It features a large basin with four dolphins and a smaller one with four lions. The water comes from the Acqua Paola aqueduct, which was restored by Pope Paul V in 1612. On its northern side, there is a medieval tower that belongs to the Mattei family, one of the most powerful and influential aristocratic clans in Rome. The tower has a clock and a bell that rings every hour. On its southern side, there is a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, which was built in 1908 by Cardinal Pietro Respighi. The chapel has a statue of the Virgin Mary that was brought from Lourdes by Pope Pius X.

Architectural Features

The Piazza di San Calisto is a charming square in the heart of Trastevere, one of the most picturesque and lively neighborhoods of Rome. The square is named after the church of San Callisto, which stands on the site where, according to tradition, Pope Callixtus I was martyred in the year 222. The church was built in the 17th century by the Benedictine monks who occupied the adjacent Palazzo San Callisto, a Baroque palace that is now one of the extraterritorial properties of the Holy See.

The square is also home to the Fontana della Botte, a fountain that resembles a large barrel with four spouts. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Paul V in 1613 and designed by Giovanni Fontana. The fountain is decorated with the papal coat of arms and four masks that represent the four seasons. The fountain was originally located in front of the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, but was moved to its current location in 1898.

The Piazza di San Calisto is surrounded by colorful buildings that reflect the typical Roman style of the area, with ochre walls, green shutters, and flower pots on the balconies. The square is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, who enjoy the lively atmosphere, the cafes, and the restaurants that offer traditional Roman cuisine.

Tips and Recommendations

If you want to visit the Piazza di San Calisto and explore Trastevere, here are some tips and recommendations:

• The best time to visit the square is in the evening, when it is illuminated by street lamps and candles, and when you can enjoy the live music and street performers that entertain the crowds.
• If you want to see the church of San Callisto, you need to book a guided tour in advance, as it is not open to the public. You can contact the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which is based in the Palazzo San Callisto, to arrange a visit.
• If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Trastevere, you can join one of the many walking tours that are available in the area. You can also visit other attractions nearby, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, or the Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance palace with frescoes by Raphael.
• If you want to taste some authentic Roman food, you can try some of the specialties that are typical of Trastevere, such as cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper), carciofi alla romana (artichokes cooked with herbs and garlic), or trippa alla romana (tripe stewed with tomato sauce).

Conclusion

The Piazza di San Calisto is a charming and lively square that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Trastevere, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome. The square is rich in architectural features, such as the church of San Callisto, the Palazzo San Callisto, and the Fontana della Botte. The square is also a great place to enjoy the atmosphere, the food, and the entertainment that Trastevere has to offer.