Parks and Gardens

Parks and Gardens in Rome

Rome is full of amazing parks and gardens that contrast its architectural buildings. Even though almost 3 million people live in the Eternal City, you will always find an opportunity to rest in one of the spacious spots full of trees, flowers, and a peaceful ambiance. Moreover, Rome is one of the greenest cities in all of Europe.

Here’s the list of the top 10 parks and gardens in Rome:

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Villa Borghese

Undoubtedly, the Villa Borghese is the most famous park in Rome and is an excellent choice for travelers interested in art. In addition, there is a green space of 200 acres around the Galleria Borghese.

The gardens have a naturalistic English manner; there, you will find many statues, lakes, fountains, and small museums. Some of the most popular attractions of the central villa are the Piazza di Siena horse track, a little lake with an Ionic temple where you can rent a boat, and the Pincio terrace with a panoramic view onto the Piazza del Popolo.

Address: On Viale del Muro Torto and Via Pinciana
How to get: Take the metro to Spagna or Barberini. Or take the FC3 tram to Flaminio.

Villa Doria Pamphili

Villa Doria Pamphili is located in the Monteverde area and is the largest park in Rome. Initially, it was a suburban villa with a garden that belonged to the papal Pamphili family. The enormous public garden spans over 184 hectares and has a 17th-century Villa. Locals mainly visit the park and is very quiet. There are three areas: the “Urban Part,” “Pars Fractuaria,” and “Rustic Pars.”

There is a lake with the turtles in and around it

Address: Via di S. Pancrazio
How to get: there are few tram stops from Trastevere (tram 8) or buses H, 75, 982, or 870
Main Entrance points: Via di San Pancrazio, Via Aurelia Antica, Via della Nocetta, Piazzetta del Bel Respiro & Via Vitellia
Opening hours: October – February: 7 am – 6 pm; March & September 7 am – 8 pm; April -August 7 am – 9 pm

Appian Way Regional Park

Appia Antica Park is located behind Circus Maximus on one of the oldest roads used in Rome, even in Napoleonic times. It is a 3400-acre park surrounded by history. There is a mix of gardens, aqueducts, tombs, and underground Catacombs with a historical spirit and a peaceful atmosphere. You can easily spend there the whole day, especially during sunny weather.

The most convenient way to discover the park is by renting a bicycle

Location: Via Appia Antica
Main entrances: Via Appia Antica, 42; Via di Porta San Sebastiano
Opening hours: 9.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
How to get: You can take the Metro B (Laurentina) to Colosseo and then take the bus 118 to Appia Antica/Travicella. If you are going from the Vatican or Termini, take bus 64, which goes from Cavalleggeri/Fornacia to Ara Coel/Piazza Venezia, and then take bus 118. If you are going to Via Appia Antica from Trastevere, take tram 8 to Ara Coel/Piazza Venezia and then bus 118

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens date back to 1279, when Pope Nicholas III moved the location of the papal residence from the Lateran Palace to the Vatican. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots of the Eternal City. Several landscape terraces, unique fountains, and glimpses of Michelangelo’s dome. There are two “Vatican Gardens.” You can visit the gardens right behind St. Peter’s Basilica and at the Papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo (half an hour outside Rome).

The Vatican Gardens are only open to the public during June, July, and August

Opening hours: from Monday to Saturday. You can book a walking tour from 9.30 a.m. or 11 a.m.; a bus tour that begins from 8.15 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. (last departure)
Closed on Sundays and Catholic holidays or when the pope conducts mass at St. Peter’s basilica, including December 8, 25, and 26, and January 1 and 6. Walking tours are not available on Wednesdays when there is a Papal audience

Villa Ada

Villa Ada is a green and peaceful park with a bike rental service, a lake, a café, and an annual live music festival called “Roma Incontra Il Mondo.” Moreover, this is the second-largest park in Rome, with 450 acres and rich flora and fauna. Amazingly thriving cypresses, dwarf palm trees, pines, beautiful swans, and turtles.

Location: Via dei Ponte Salario
Getting there: Take the FC3 tram to Campi Sportivi

The Orange Garden

The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is located on the Aventine hill. This is a charming spot with many orange trees and amazing views of Rome. Daily, many tourists come to enjoy the fantastic ambiance of the garden. Moreover, usually, there are street musicians whose music makes the atmosphere of the spot even more peaceful and romantic.

The famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s is just few steps away in the Piazza dei Cavalieri

Location: Via di Santa Sabina
How to get there: take the metro to Circus Maximus and walk up the hill

Gianicolo Hill

Gianicolo hill (Janiculum) is one of the most romantic spots in the city. There is a belief that if a guy invites his second half to the date on this hill, he is probably going to make a marriage proposal. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially if you come at sunset.

Location: Via del Gianicolo
How to get there: you can get the 34, 46, 46B, 64, 98, or 88 buses

Villa Torlonia

Villa Torlonia is famous not just for its gardens but also for its impressive architecture. There are three former residences: Casino Nobile, designed by Giuseppe Valadier; Casina delle Civette (The House of The Owls), which represents gothic and art-nouveau styles; Casino dei Principi, where Mussolini once lived. Each residence has an exhibition space for the Musei di Villa Di Torlonia, and you can admire sculptures and paintings from antiquity to the Art Nouveau movement.

The park is mostly visited by locals

Location: Via Nomentana, 70
Opening hours of the bunker (created by Mussolini, 1942-1943) of Villa Torlonia: Saturday and Sunday; 9.30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Opening hours of The House of the owls: Tuesday – Sunday; 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Park of the Aqueducts

The Park of the Aqueducts is located near the ancient Appian Way and contains part of the Acqua Claudia. Constructed between 38 – 52 AD, Acqua Claudia is considered the most incredible aqueduct of ancient Rome. Moreover, the park has been featured in many famous Italian films as La Dolce Vita and La Grande Bellezza. This park is an excellent option to visit for a picnic or arrange a photo session.

Location: Via Lemonia, 213
How to get: about a 10-minute walk from the Subaugusta metro stop

Villa Celimontana

Villa Celimontana is one of Rome’s most charming and hidden public gardens. Located on the Caelian (Celio) hill, the Mattei family acquired the villa in the sixteenth century and converted it into gardens and a building with the family’s collections of art and entertaining programs. The spot is peaceful and beautiful, full of greenery and pieces of ancient carved marble. Villa Celimontana is fantastic for a picnic and famous for its wedding photo-shoot circuit.

Location: Via della Navicella
Opening hours: Villa Celimontana is open daily from 7 am until sunset
How to get: bus 81 stops right near the main entrance on Via della Navicella

Even if Rome is one of the most ancient cities globally and considered the most touristic city, there are many places with peaceful ambiance and greenery. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of the Roman parks or gardens during your visit to the Eternal City!