In the heart of the Prati district, a short walk from the Tevere, lies Piazza della Libertà, an apparently tranquil urban space but one loaded with historical, cultural and sporting significance. This square, today elegant and well-frequented, represents one of the symbolic places of the birth of modern sport in the capital and, above all, of the history of SS Lazio.
Origins and birth of the square
Piazza della Libertà came into being at the end of the nineteenth century, in a period when Rome was undergoing a profound urban transformation after becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870. The Prati area, until then scarcely developed, was designed according to modern criteria, with wide avenues and orderly squares.
The square was conceived as a representative space, close to the river and well connected to the historic centre, a symbol of the new, united Rome projected towards the future. The very name, "Libertà" (Freedom), reflects the spirit of the era: an evocation of the values of independence and national identity.
Why it is called Piazza della Libertà
The name Piazza della Libertà is closely tied to the historical context in which the square was designed and built. At the end of the nineteenth century, after the capture of Rome in 1870 and the end of the temporal power of the popes, the city definitively became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. In this climate of political and civil renewal, the concept of "freedom" took on a powerfully symbolic value: it represented national liberation, the unity of the country and the affirmation of a modern, secular state. Giving this name to the square therefore meant celebrating the new ideals of united Italy and underlining the break with the pontifical past, placing the urban space within a broader vision of progress and national identity.
The birth of SS Lazio
The most important moment in the square's history came on 9 January 1900, when SS Lazio was founded right here.
Among the protagonists of this historic event, Luigi Bigiarelli stands out, a young non-commissioned officer of the Bersaglieri and a central figure in the birth of the club. Together with him, a group of friends and sportsmen gave life to what was initially a multi-sport club, dedicated to various disciplines.
Among the most important names linked to that founding moment we recall:
Luigi Bigiarelli
Giacomo Bigiarelli
Fortunato Ballerini
Guido Lantelme
These pioneers chose the eagle as their symbol, inspired by Roman tradition, and the colours white and sky blue, in homage to Greece and the Olympic spirit.
A symbolic place for Lazio fans
For the fans of SS Lazio, Piazza della Libertà is not simply a geographical location: it is a true identity "cradle".
Over the decades, the square has become a meeting point for celebrations, commemorations and symbolic moments linked to the team. A strong sense of belonging can be felt here, and many fans consider this space almost sacred.
On the occasion of important anniversaries, such as the club's centenary in 2000, the square was the scene of celebratory events that drew thousands of supporters.
Historical figures and personalities linked to the square
In addition to the founders, the square has been frequented and symbolically crossed by many figures linked to the history of Lazio and Roman sport. Among them:
Historic directors and pioneers of Italian sport
Athletes from the first multi-sport sections
Generations of fans who have kept the memory of the place alive
Even if not all the great champions of Lazio have had a direct link with the square, it remains the symbolic starting point for iconic figures of Biancoceleste history.
What it represents today
Today Piazza della Libertà is an elegant square, characterised by historic buildings and a strategic position between the centre and the Vatican. It is frequented by residents, tourists and workers, and maintains a tranquil and refined atmosphere.
But beyond its urban appearance, it continues to represent:
A historic symbol of post-unification Rome
An identity place for SS Lazio fans
A living memory of the origins of modern sport in the capital
In a sense, the square unites past and present: on one side it bears witness to the urban development of Rome, on the other it guards the sporting and popular soul of one of Italy's most important teams.
Conclusions
Piazza della Libertà is not just a square, but a place loaded with historical and symbolic meaning. From its birth in post-unification Italy to the founding of SS Lazio, up to its current role, it represents a meeting point between urban planning, sport and collective identity.
Final reflection on the present
We know well where we come from: Piazza della Libertà is the origin of SS Lazio, the point from which our identity is born. What happened during Lazio-Milan we cannot accept. "Libertà" is not just a word: beyond the strong desire for change, there is the bond with our history, with the place where everything began.
This episode, for us, inevitably connects also to certain words we heard recently in a phone call with a fan, when people spoke with contempt of "your fucking history". We do not forget. Because every gesture that goes in that direction is perceived as a further lack of respect towards the Laziali and the values we have upheld for over a century.
We defend our history, we defend our identity, and we do not accept it being cast aside or treated as something secondary.
Sources (with links)
The information contained in this article is supported by historical and institutional sources available online:
Official website of SS Lazio, which recounts the birth of the club right in the square
👉 History of SS Lazio
Encyclopaedic study on Piazza della Libertà with information on its birth and the urban context
👉 Piazza della Libertà (Rome) – Wikipedia
Historical article on the founder Luigi Bigiarelli and the link with the square
👉 Corriere article on the square and Bigiarelli
Studies on the historical memory and symbolic role of the square for Lazio fans
👉 Piazza della Libertà "home of the Laziali"
Journalistic and sporting reconstructions on the founding of Lazio and the symbolic value of the square
👉 History of Lazio and Piazza della Libertà
