The Aloof Poet of Rome's Trastevere: Giuseppe Gioachino Belli's Marble Tribute

Erected in 1913 by Michele Tripisciano, this marble Monument in Rome's Trastevere was dedicated to none other than Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, a poet who penned his works primarily in Romanesco, Rome's local dialect. Hidden just off Lungotevere in Trastevere and across from Ponte Garibaldi's entrance, it overlooks the Tiber. The foundation of this memorialized ode was a collective effort, initiated in 1910 by Domenico Gnoli, Ferdinando Martini, and Leone Caetani, with the people contributing through public donations.

The statue, standing somewhat aloof on a plinth, is adorned with a characteristic four-faced hermes, as if borrowed from Ponte Fabricio. It offers a comfortable gaze to fellow Romans, ares philosophizing near Pasquino's likeness. A low square plinth beneath the statue features symbols of Rome, including the allegorical figure of Tiber, the Capitoline Wolf with twins, and Romans gathered around Pasquino. The monument bears the inscription, 'To their poet G.G.

Belli, The People of Rome MCMXIII'. However, over time, an iron rod has replaced the original wooden walking stick, a recurring victim of theft.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons