Rome is famous for its monuments and links to antiquity, however there are natural marvels as well. A visit to the city’s rose garden, the Roseto Comunale di Roma, is a chance to relax and reflect after walking through the nearby Circus Maximus.
The garden’s location on the Aventine hill originally was a 17th century Jewish cemetery. Today, the site is split into two levels, and the statue of Giuseppe Mazzini, a symbol of the Italian Republic, stands guard at the entrance. The upper garden contains a permanent collection while the lower garden showcases varieties from the “Premio di Roma”, an international floricultural competition.
Most of the roses come from Germany, France, Great Britain and the USA, although there are some stunning homegrown varieties from Italy. No matter the origin, many have colorful names such as Lavender Dream, Flashdance and Serenissima. So instead of limiting your Roman itinerary to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, be sure to stroll through one of the most beautiful rose gardens in Europe.
Entrance is free and visiting hours are from 8 AM – 6:30 PM, late May through the summer.
by Ian Zurzolo
Writer, editor, American University of Rome graduate, Italian Notebook Editorial Intern.
How lovely! With all the other sights to see in Rome, I didn’t know about this one. I’ll have to put it on my list for “next time.” Thanks for sharing!
Just beautiful! Who knew? Since I have only been to Rome in the fall, I’m sure that a visit during a different season would reveal a whole new take on Rome.
Over the years I’ve brought home to California flower seeds from Italy and Sicily which allows me to look out any window to be reminded of the “Old Country.” Also, years ago, I brought over tree seeds and fig cuttings (eleven types), at my home the sense of the Italian countryside is thus always in full effect…. Which reminds me, I’ve read about the disappointment people have with the large leaf basil from Naples, that “it makes a poor pesto;” this basil is not for cooking (though there are probably exceptions) but used in sandwiches as we use lettuce, try it, its faint basil taste is a great flavor enhancer, especially with ham.
Beautiful photographs. And a great view!
Thanks Ian, we will stop by to see the gardens. Missed them before when we were in the area.
You’re welcome!
If you are looking for peace and quiet with some beautiful flora, you can also find many botanical gardens in Italy. There is even one in Rome, near Trastevere. Here is a link to some of the locations in Italy:
http://www.italiantourism.com/botanic.html
I had no idea this was in Rome. I have been at the Circus Maximus once and did not notice this. Next year we will be returning to Rome,and I will put this on our list of other places to see.
Thank you for sending this article to us.
Ciao,
Claudia
Another – world famous – Italian Rose Garden can be found here:
The Roseto botanico Carla Fineschi di Cavriglia is an italian rose garden, located in the city of Cavriglia.
It was created in1967 on initiative of Professeur Gianfranco Fineschi, member of the Faculty of medicine of the Catholic University of Rome. Its goal has always been to acquire appropriate examples from he genus Rosa, and to organize them taxonomically, according to a precise scheme. Today, the roseto has more than 8000 cultivars.
This description is from the web site: http://tinyurl.com/njtx8v
Thanks for this Ian. We were there just a month ago (hotel on the Aventine hill_ and thought it a perfect spot. Great to see your photographs.
I’ve often marveled at how effortlessly roses seem to grow here in Central Italy. Must be the wet springs, the dryish summers and the light breezes, or perhaps carefully chosen cultivars. In any case, they are to be found in just about everyone’s yards here in the countryside (I’m 80 km SE of Rome). And people are quick to share…in October you take a cutting of any rose you fancy and stick it in wet soil. Seven times out of ten it will grow roots and a new rose bush is born! (not without the owner’s permission, of course! :-)) I will have to check out this garden next time I’m in Rome.
I was curious to know what happened to the Jewish Cemetary, and it’s remains?
What happened to the Jewish cemetery?
This reprint was as enjoyable as the first time……thanks…
Thanks, Ian, for your note on the “hidden wonders” – infinite numbers here in Italy, vero?
I think you might find most of the roses have already finished their first flowering, we’ve had a hot spring. Also check on the opening hours as I was told last week it was by appointment. Christina
I have seen the Rose Garden several times. I didn’t know about the Jewish Cemetary. I would like to know what happened to it?