A Roman Hero: the Baritone Messenger of Gianicolo

In the late 1860s, during the oppressive papacy of Pius IX, Rome was a city rife with political unrest and clandestine resistance. Amid this tension, a talented opera singer named Giulio DeProsperis—a baritone with a voice that could carry across the Tiber—emerged as an unlikely hero. Born in Trastevere, Giulio was a talent who dazzled audiences in Rome’s theaters with his rich, resonant voice. But his greatest performance would take place far from the stage, on the terrace of Gianicolo Hill.

At that time, the “Regina Coeli” jail housed countless political prisoners, their spirits dampened by the brutal regime. Determined to aid the resistance, Giulio devised a daring plan: he would use his powerful voice to send coded messages to the prisoners. Standing on Gianicolo, his booming voice would echo across Rome, masking revolutionary signals as innocent announcements.

“Pietro! Your cousin just got married!” translated to “Reinforcements are arriving,” while “Antonio! Your mother says the vineyard is thriving!” meant “Hold tight; liberation plans are underway.” The prison guards, unaware of the true meanings, often delivered these messages themselves. Through Giulio’s ingenuity and the bravery of those inside, hope continued to flow behind the prison walls.

For months, Giulio’s “aria of freedom” resonated over Gianicolo. His courage fueled the resistance until September 20, 1870, when Italian troops breached the Aurelian Walls, marking Rome’s liberation. The political prisoners of “Regina Coeli” walked free, their chains broken forever.

Giulio DeProsperis, the Baritone Messenger of Gianicolo, became a symbol of defiance and creativity in Rome’s fight for unification. His story reminds us that even in the darkest times, art and courage can illuminate the path to freedom.

You might discover more about the tale of the Baritone Messenger of Gianicolo by booking our walking tour: “Gianicolo to Trastevere“