The alluring, evocative and omnipresent, stone pine trees of Rome, have an ancient history and are a symbol of Rome for me. Upon descent to Rome, their majesty and grace seems to offer the first glorious greeting.
There are estimates that 60,000 trees are present in Rome alone. So ubiquitous in some areas of the city that, a neighborhood of Rome, Pigneto, was given this name because of their abundance in the landscape. For me, the Pine trees of Rome, Pini di Roma, are the most iconic images of the eternal city and monuments that mark the evolution of Rome's history.
So, how and when did these regal and majestic trees arrive and who planted them?
Stone Pine trees are native to the Mediterranean and have been a part of the landscape for more than 6,000 years. Pinus Pinea Pinales, their Latin name, were prized by both the Ottomans as well as the Etruscans and Romans who planted them. The trees were prized during the Roman Republic for their beauty and particularly because they symbolized spring, and immortality. It was believed that that healthy stone pine trees were representative of the health of the Republic.
In addition to high impact visual and symbolic appeal, this cultivar also produces pine nuts that were harvested for food, which was a part of the diet of the Roman armies, as well as being a commodity of trade.
So statuesque and graceful are these trees that they have been painted by artists like Botticelli, hailed in poetry, like the Pine of Monte Mario at Rome, by William Wordsworth or Ovid in Metamorphses, as well as composers like Ottorino Resphigi. One of the most performed pieces and beloved works is the tone poem entitled the Pines of Rome. Click for the 1960 performance, by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Stokowski conducting,
Even Benito Mussolini, during the Ventennio, the 20 years of his rule that began in the 1920's, planted more of these umbrella pines to beautify the cityscape and included them in the plan surrounding of the Victor Emmanuel II monument as well as in many parks and areas of Rome.
The lifespan of these trees can range from 50 - 150 years. Of late, they have been threatened by decay due to to pests such at tortoise scale. Fortunately, Italy has taken steps to control and protect these pines both on a national and regional level by passing a law to control the pests as well as setting aside funds for preservation as well as planting new trees.
Whether you are walking through the neighborhoods of Rome, gazing from Pincio or the Gianicolo at sunset, cycling on the via Appia Antica you will undoubtedly stop to admire the beauty of the Stone Pine trees. These conifers, that have been there for thousands of years, will remind you, as you gaze upon them, that you are standing in none other than the extraordinary city of Rome.
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
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