Parks in Rome: Spectacular Spaces for Outdoor Lovers

When most people visit the Eternal City, they stick to ancient monuments and archaeological sites, but few venture into green spaces. Rome is one of the greenest cities in Europe thanks to the many parks and landscaped gardens created by the aristocratic families that lived here. 

The parks in Rome often feature stunning villas and offer a reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle. They are the perfect place for outdoor lovers and those wanting a breather from exploring the city. 

Gardens and parks in Rome

While Rome might seem filled with Roman ruins, piazzas and buildings, there are many gardens and outdoor spaces to visit. Here are 10 parks in Rome to add to your itinerary.  

Aqueduct Park (Parco degli Acquedotti) 

Out of all the parks in Rome, Aqueduct Park is the one you have seen in many Italian films. With views of ancient aqueducts and Roman pine trees, it is part of the regional park of the ancient Appian Way or via Appia Antica in Italian. The park is named after the seven aqueducts – Anio Vetus, Marcia, Iulia, Tepula, Felice, Anio Novus and Claudio – that used to provide water to the city.  

The park stretches for nearly 600 acres (about 240 hectares) between the Appio Claudio district via delle Capannelle and the Rome-Cassino-Naples railway line. It’s a popular spot for biking, running and outdoor sports. 

Parco della Caffarella

Parco della Caffarella is a large archaeological park in Rome. It is located in the southern part of the city, between the Appian Way and the Via Appia Nuova. The park covers an area of approximately 450 hectares and is home to various archaeological remains, including tombs, aqueducts, and villas.

It’s also a popular spot for hiking, biking and picnicking. Several marked trails wind their way through the park, and there are also several picnic areas and playgrounds. Here, you can visit the ruins of the Villa dei Quintili. This once-grand villa was home to a wealthy Roman family in the 2nd century AD. The ruins are still quite impressive, and you can see the remains of the villa’s baths, gardens, and living quarters.

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico)

Nestled on the Gianicolo hill in the popular area of Trastevere lies a slice of nature. The Botanical Gardens, officially established in 1883, is an oasis in the heart of the city, stretching over 29 acres (12 hectares). There are over 3,000 plants here, including a bamboo forest, a rose garden and a Japanese garden. You can also marvel at the numerous species of orchids, bonsai and cacti plants housed in four greenhouses. 

The garden, located behind the 17th-century Palazzo Corsini, is also an archeological area. Among the greenery, you’ll find several ancient fountains that hint at the past. Once the location of the Septimius Severus Baths, the garden is owned and maintained by the Sapienza University of Rome.  

Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

This small gated garden, also known as Parco Savello, sits on the top of Aventine Hill and is named after the orange trees planted here by St. Domenico in 1222. He also founded the Basilica of Saint Sabina next door to the garden. 

The Orange Garden offers excellent panoramic views of Rome and Janiculum Hill. It’s also a great place to take a break from exploring the city. The land here was once a fortress built by the Savelli family. However, it was demolished in 1613. What you see today was designed by Raffaele De Vico in 1932.

Vatican Gardens

Most people visiting Rome head to the Vatican City to admire the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. What many don’t know is that away from the crowds lie the charming Vatican Gardens. The gardens date back to the 13th century when Pope Nicholas III relocated the papal residence to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace. 

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Today, you can explore the gardens’ numerous fountains and multiple landscaped terraces and even glimpse Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s. The gardens are open to the public only in June, July and August. Admission is limited, so book your tickets ahead of time. 

Villa Ada

Villa Ada is one of the largest parks in Rome. During the latter half of the 19th century, it belonged to the royal House of Savoy. In 1878, it was sold to the Swiss Count Tellfner, who named it after his wife, Ada. The royal family repurchased the property in 1904 and retained it until 1946. 

What was once the private estate of King Vittorio Emanuele III was eventually acquired by the city, excluding a small portion of private ownership. Today, the private section is owned by the Egyptian Embassy. This massive outdoor space has paths, lakes, woods and lawns. It’s a popular spot for the locals and is home to the Roma Incontro il Mondo summer festival.

Villa Borghese

What once belonged to the wealthy Borghese family is now one of the most popular parks in Rome. The garden and villa were designed for Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1605 and sold by the family in 1901. Today, Villa Borghese houses the Galleria Borghese museum, which has an impressive art collection, including works by Italian masters.

The park’s 200 acres (81 hectares) offer an artistic blend of greenery, lakes, fountains, statues and monuments.  Check out the Pincio terrace for panoramic views of the city and the Piazza del Popolo below. Some attractions include a horse track in Piazza di Sienna and the Rome Zoo (Bioparco) with more than 1,000 animals. 

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Villa Borghese is also where you can find the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. You can also rent a boat, take a spin on the small lake (laghetto), or check out Pincio’s Water Clock, a great example of 19th-century engineering. 

Villa Celimontana

Like many other parks in Rome, the Villa Celimontana park was once home to the wealthy Mattei family. The family bought that land in 1553 and built a villa surrounded by a beautiful garden. Michelangelo’s student, Giacomo del Duca, designed the estate in the most refined 16th-century style. Today, it is home to the Italian Geographical Society.

Here, you’ll find artistic fountains, a neo-gothic temple, and an obelisk dedicated to Egyptian pharaoh Rameses II. With stunning landscapes and charm, Villa Celimontana is a popular destination for wedding photos. During the summer months, the park is home to art exhibitions, special events and evening jazz concerts.

Villa Doria Pamphili Park

The Villa Doria Pamphili (sometimes spelled as Villa Doria Pamphilj) is recognized as one of Rome’s most important historical parks. It is also the largest park in Rome, once belonging to the wealthy Pamphili family until it passed to the Doria family through marriage. The property spans over 207 acres (184 hectares) of landscaped areas and features a 17th-century villa. 

While you can’t visit the villa Pamphili, you can enjoy its landscaped gardens. The park is quiet and offers a nice escape from the busy streets of Rome. While not as popular among tourists, it’s a great place to enjoy the greenery and fresh air. There is also a picturesque lake, an unmissable spot in the park.  

Villa Torlonia Park

Escape the crowds and ancient ruins at Rome’s Park of Villa Torlonia. This almost 14-hectare oasis offers a unique blend of history and nature. The park was once a farm that belonged to the Pamphilj family. Later, the Colonna family owned it, and it was eventually turned into a private residence by Giovanni Torlonia. 

Here, you can stroll under towering palm trees, discovering hidden fountains and a charming pond. Don’t miss the Roman-style sculptures of the Casino Nobile and the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls), once a private residence and now a fascinating museum. 

Additional thoughts about parks in Rome 

Besides the above-named gardens and parks in Rome, there are numerous green areas and spots to enjoy. As much as the Romans loved building up Rome with monuments, villas and temples, they also enjoyed outdoor spaces. That concept carried on, with various popes and noble families creating and beautifying Rome’s outdoor spaces. Thanks to them, the city is full of beautiful gardens and parks we can all enjoy today. Next time you visit, make sure to take a break in one of the many parks in Rome and enjoy the outdoors.