Giuditta Taviani Arquati

Piazza Giuditta Taviani Arquati is a public square in Rome, Italy, named in honour of Giuditta Taviani Arquati. Giuditta Tavani Arquati was an Italian patriot and a significant figure in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. Born on February 27, 1830, in Trastevere, Rome, she grew up in a period of intense political turmoil and was deeply influenced by the nationalist sentiments of the time. Arquati married Francesco Arquati, a fellow patriot, and their home became a hub for revolutionaries, where they planned insurrections against the Papal States. Giuditta was known for her bravery and commitment to the cause; she actively participated in the planning and execution of revolutionary activities, a rare role for women at this time. Her life tragically ended on October 22, 1867, when Papal troops raided her home, killing her, her husband, and several other revolutionaries.

Giuditta Tavani Arquati is remembered as a martyr and a symbol of the struggle for Italian independence and unification, embodying the spirit and sacrifices of the Risorgimento. The square commemorates a plaque for her contributions to Italy's unification and resistance against foreign occupation.

Her courage and involvement in the fight for Italian unification have been commemorated in various ways, including streets and squares named in her honour, ensuring her legacy in the history of Italian unification and the broader context of women's participation in revolutionary movements.

An antique photograph of an older woman looking at the camera. She has lighter hair and is wearing a dress with a high ruffled collar and poofy sleeves.
A bust of Giuditta that sits above street level. The marble bust is nicely carved and expressive.