[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Cannon of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) is one of the Romans’ daily certainty. Precisely every day at 12 o’clock a.m., the cannon fires a blank shot to remind everyone to synchronize their clocks!
The History of the Cannon of Gianicolo
The tradition of the cannon shot was established in 1847 by Pope Pius IX. Initially, the cannon was located in Castel Sant’Angelo and remained there until 1903, when it was first moved to the slopes of Monte Mario, and the following year to its current location on the Janiculum hill, below the statue of Garibaldi.
The tradition of shooting was maintained even after the unification of Italy and was interrupted only during the Second World War. On 21 April 1959, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Foundation of Rome, the cannon resumed its “activity”.
Today, it is the Italian Army soldiers who remind Rome that midday has come!
The Cannon of Gianicolo over time
If you think that the cannon used today has always been the same, you are wrong: unfortunately, there is no record of the very first cannon used, but there is wide info on the following ones.
From 1904, the year of its final positioning, midday was marked by a cannon used by the Artillery of the Kingdom of Italy during the Capture of Rome. Later, it was replaced by a cannon of the Austro-Hungarian Army “booty” of the First World War.
Today’s cannon is a howitzer, made up of parts of different cannons used during the Second World War.
Watching the cannon shoot is very easy: just go up to the Janiculum Hill and look out from the beautiful and romantic terrace over the city! In addition to the cannon show, you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Rome!
We also recommend visiting the famous Fontanone di Roma “the Big Fountain” (Fontana dell’Acqua Paola), the church of San Pietro in Montorio and the Botanical Garden of Rome, all located nearby.
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