Passetto del Biscione

The Passetto del Biscione is a discreet and historically significant alleyway tucked away in the heart of Rome, Italy. This narrow passage, known locally as "il Passetto," offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past and its role in connecting two key landmarks: the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini and the Church of Santa Maria dell'Orto.

The Passetto del Biscione is a charming cobbled path that winds through ancient buildings, preserving the ambiance of a bygone era. Its name, "Biscione," is derived from the crest of the Orsini family, a prominent Roman noble family who owned the nearby Palazzo Orsini. The Biscione, a serpent eating a child, serves as the Orsini family's emblem and can still be seen on various buildings in the vicinity.

This narrow passage, barely wide enough for two people to pass each other, has witnessed centuries of history, including the comings and goings of religious processions and city life. The Passetto del Biscione connects the two churches mentioned earlier, providing a convenient route for clergy and devotees to travel between them during religious events.