Garbatella is a historic and charming neighborhood of Rome, located in City Hall VIII, in the southwestern part of the city, near the Ostiense district. Officially founded on February 18, 1920, the neighborhood is known for its unique architecture, social history, and authentic character.
A bit of history
Garbatella was born as a garden borough to house workers associated with the city’s industrial and port development. The foundation stone was laid by King Victor Emmanuel III in Benedetto Brin Square. The urban design was inspired by the model of English garden cities, with low-rise buildings surrounded by communal gardens that encouraged sociability among the inhabitants.
The name “Garbatella” has uncertain origins; it is thought of an innkeeper called “Garbata Ostella” named Carlotta.
The romantic places of Garbatella
Garbatella is famous for its varied architectural style, combining elements of the Roman Baroque, characterized by rich decorations and warm colors, with rationalist and futurist influences.
There are romantic areas in the neighborhood to discover. The Fountain of Carlotta and the Lovers’ Staircase are two iconic symbols of Garbatella, loaded with history, legends, and meanings for the local community.
The Carlotta Fountain
Designed in the 1930s by architect Innocenzo Sabbatini, the Carlotta Fountain is a distinctive feature of the neighborhood. The fountain consists of a square concrete pillar decorated with diamond-pointed ashlars, surmounted by a large jar (an earthenware vase). In the center of the pillar is the female face of “Carlotta,” framed by long hair, which casts a gush of water into the travertine basin below. This face is linked to the legend of Carlotta, a “garrulous hostess” who is said to have inspired the name of the neighborhood.
The Lovers’ Staircase
Near the Carlotta Fountain is the Lovers’ Staircase, a flight of steps that winds along one of the neighborhood’s rises. Why is it considered a romantic place? This place is associated with love stories born since the postwar period and continues to be a beloved destination for couples. According to a popular tradition, drinking water from the Carlotta fountain before climbing the steps brings good luck and makes love eternal. The staircase represents a charming and magical spot in the neighborhood, ideal for romantic walks and declarations of love.