Green Escapes
Here are the best villas and parks in the Eternal City – By Andrea Werther
One of the simplest ways to take in Rome’s greener side is to step into one of its many “lungs”: the grand historic villa parks. When Rome was little more than a compact nucleus, these estates served as countryside retreats of the aristocracy. Today, most have been transformed into expansive public parks, offering leafy respite from the city’s relentless energy.
The most famous—and most convenient to reach—is Villa Borghese, perched atop the Pincian Hill. Its meticulously designed gardens make an ideal interlude before or after exploring the world-class museums tucked within the grounds. On the Janiculum Hill, Villa Pamphilj unfolds across more than 450 acres, which make it Rome’s largest landscaped park and a favorite haunt of joggers, families, and picnickers.
Villa Ada, by contrast, feels almost untamed: the city’s wildest green space, perfect for those seeking solitude and quiet. For a blend of nature and antiquity, the carefully maintained Villa Celimontana near the Colosseum is scattered with archaeological treasures—sarcophagi, sculptures, and even an obelisk hidden among the trees. Villa Sciarra in Monteverde may be modest in size, but it enchants with vine-draped grottoes, elaborate fountains, and secluded corners. And don’t miss Villa Torlonia, whose manicured grounds were designed by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier and include the whimsical Art Nouveau Casina delle Civette, famed for its fantastical stainedglass windows.
Greenery among the ancient ruins
Travelers craving nature without sacrificing sightseeing will find that Rome’s archeological parks, between Via Appia Antica and Via Latina, offer the best of both worlds. Walk on or rent a bike and pedal through the Parco degli Acquedotti, where soaring aqueducts march across the landscape along the ancient Appian Way. Wander the shaded paths of the Parco degli Scipioni, pausing to admire its monumental mausoleums. Or venture into the vast valley of Caffarella Park to discover the legendary Nymphaeum of Egeria, a tranquil wildlife haven nestled deep within the ancient city.
