Villas and parks of Rome: Borghese, Ada, Giardino Aranci

The villas and parks of Rome: Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, Giardino degli Aranci

Rome is not just history and monuments: it is also a green city, with parks and historic villas that offer refuge from urban chaos, breathtaking views, and peaceful corners away from the crowds. Among the many green spaces, three stand out for their beauty, history, and atmosphere:Villa Borghese(the quintessential central park),Villa Ada(the wildest and least touristy green lung) and the Giardino degli Aranci (the romantic viewpoint on the Aventine). This guide explores these three villas and parks in Rome, with information on what to see, hours, entrances, activities, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

Why visit the parks and villas of Rome

The Roman parks offer:

• A break from intense tourism(silence, shade, benches)

• Spectacular views(viewpoints over domes and rooftops)

• Outdoor activities(running, biking, picnicking, canoeing)

• Free entry(except for some museum areas)

• Artistic treasures(museums, statues, fountains, temples)

Here are the three villas not to be missed.

Villa Borghese: the central park of Rome

Villa BorgheseIt is the most famous and central park in Rome (80 hectares). Once the country residence of the Borghese family, today it is an English-style garden with museums, ponds, temples, fountains, and playgrounds. It extends between Piazza del Popolo, the Pincio, and the Parioli district.

Where it is and how to get there

• Main entrances:Piazza del Popolo (through the Pincio), Piazzale Flaminio, Via Veneto, Via di San Valentino

• Metro A:Flaminio station (exit to Piazzale Flaminio) – you enter the park immediately

• Metro A:Spagna station (climb through the Trinità dei Monti staircase and then ramps)

• Bus:53, 63, 80, 83, 89, 92, 95, 360, 490, 495 (Flaminio, Pinciana, San Valentino stops)

What to see at Villa Borghese

Galleria Borghese (the must-see museum)

• Address:Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5

• Hours:Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 5:45 PM). Closed Monday, January 1, December 25.

• Ticket:15 € (full), 8 € (reduced for ages 18-25 EU).Reservation required(2 € extra). Tickets sell out weeks in advance.

• What to see:masterpieces by Bernini (Apollo and Daphne, Rape of Proserpina, David), Canova (Pauline Borghese as Venus Victrix), Caravaggio (Saint John the Baptist, David with the head of Goliath), Raphael (Deposition).

• Duration:the visit lasts a maximum of 2 hours (ticket with entry and exit time).

The Lake (Laghetto di Villa Borghese)

• Description:a small artificial lake with a temple of Asclepius (god of medicine) in the center, inspired by Greek temples.

• Activities:rowboat rental (€3 for 20 minutes, only on weekends and holidays). Electric power (not pedal-powered).

• Atmosphere:very romantic, especially at sunset.

Pincio Promenade (panoramic terrace)

• Description:the large belvedere above Piazza del Popolo. From here you can see all of Rome: domes, the Vittoriano, Monte Mario.

• Atmosphere:very crowded at sunset with young people, couples, and families. There are benches and a monumental fountain (Fontana del Pincio).

• Hours:always open.

Temple of Diana

• Description:a small neoclassical round temple (18th century), surrounded by trees. Today it is a meeting point.

Lake Garden (north area)

• Description:the quietest part of the park, with ancient trees, flower beds, and the "Casino di Raffaello" (now home to temporary exhibitions).

Cinema House and Theater House

• Description:two historic buildings that host outdoor film and theater festivals in the summer. Programs on the official website.

Zoo (Bioparco di Roma)

• Address:Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20 (inside Villa Borghese)

• Hours:9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (winter), 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (summer). Closed December 25.

• Ticket: 13 € (intero), 11 € (ridotto bambini 3-12 anni). Gratuito under 3.

• Why go there:over 1,000 animals, conservation projects. Very popular with children.

Water clock (Fountain of the Clock)

• Description:a fountain with a clock powered by hydraulic wheels (1867). It is located near the pond.

Statue of Goethe (in the main avenue)

• Description:a monument to the German poet who loved Rome.

Activities at Villa Borghese

• Bike rental:at Piazzale Flaminio (€3-5 per hour) and at the pond (4-seat rickshaw).

• Horses:horse-drawn carriages (€20-30 for 30 minutes, fixed route).

• Picnic:designated areas (bring a tablecloth and basket). Fires are prohibited.

• Running and jogging:paved paths of 3-5 km.

• Children:play areas (Pincio, near the pond, near the Biopark).

Where to eat near and inside Villa Borghese

• Casina Valadier(Piazzale Napoleone I, 1): elegant restaurant (high price), but a café with a view (coffee €4, aperitif €15).

• Kiosk by the Lake(Pond): sandwiches, ice creams, drinks (€5-10).

• Casa del Cinema(Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1): café and light meals.

• Outside the park (Flaminio area):Pizzeria La Montecarlo, gelateria La Romana.

Hours and access

• Parco:open every day, always accessible (but the gates are closed at 12:00 AM in some areas). Partial night lighting.

• Entrance:free (only Galleria Borghese, Bioparco, rentals have a fee).

• Best time:spring (blooms) and autumn (colors). Summer: muggy but shaded.

How much time is needed

• Just a quick walk:1 hour

• Walk + pond + Pincio:2 hours

• With Galleria Borghese:3-4 hours (book in advance)

• With Bioparco and children:half a day

Villa Ada: the wildest and least touristy green lung

Villa Adais the second largest public park in Rome (about 70 hectares). Once a royal residence (it was the villa owned by the Savoy family, now partially owned by the Municipality). It is much less touristy than Villa Borghese, wilder, with wooded areas, ponds, and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking tranquility, jogging, and nature.

Where it is and how to get there

• Address:main entrance at Via Salaria, 265 (corner of Via di Ponte Salario). Other entrances: Via di Ponte Salario, Via Panama, Via di San Valentino.

• Metro B1:stop Sant'Agnese/Annibaliano (10 minutes on foot)

• Bus:63, 92, 217, 360 (stop Salaria/Ada)

What to see at Villa Ada

The Lake (Lake of Villa Ada)

A small natural lake (not artificial like at Villa Borghese) with ducks, turtles, and fish. Around it, benches and lawns. Canoeing is not allowed.

The Fort (Forte Antenne)

Inside the park, there is Forte Antenne, a 19th-century military fortification. Today it is in a state of abandonment (not open to visitors), but it is picturesque.

The Valley of Dogs

A fenced area where dogs can run free (off-leash). Very popular with locals.

Bike path and jogging trails

Villa Ada is famous for its dirt and paved paths, suitable for running and mountain biking.

Picnic area

There are wooden tables (bring your own food) and drinking fountains.

The lily pond (artificial pond)

A small pond with water lilies and aquatic plants, located in the southern part of the park.

Royal Villa (historic building)

The main villa (Palazzina Reale) is not open to the public (state-owned, used for official purposes). It can only be seen from the outside.

Events and activities

• Villa Ada Festival(June-July): concerts of world music, jazz, rock (admission fee, 10-20 €). One of the most beloved summer festivals by locals.

• Outdoor yoga and pilates:there are often free classes (look for neighborhood groups on Facebook).

• Running:every Sunday morning groups of runners.

Where to eat nearby

• Park Bar(inside, near the entrance on via Salaria): coffee, sandwiches, ice cream (normal prices).

• Outside (Trieste area):Pizzeria "Da Remo al Parco", gelateria "La Romana" (via Tagliamento).

Hours and access

• Hours:always open (but the main gates close at sunset in winter, at 9:00 PM in summer). You can also enter through secondary entrances without gates.

• Entrance:free

• Lighting:poor (do not go after sunset if you are alone, especially in wooded areas).

• Best time:spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (dry leaves). Very pleasant in summer (tall trees provide shade).

How much time is needed

• Quick walk:1 hour

• Picnic + walk:2-3 hours

• Festival:one evening

Attention (safety)

Villa Ada is generally safe during the day, but after sunset the darker and wooded areas are not recommended for singles and women alone (some incidents of drug dealing and camping). It is better to stay in central areas or leave before dark.

Orange Garden (Savello Park): the romantic viewpoint on the Aventine

TheOrange Garden(official name: Savello Park) is a small garden on the Aventine, one of the seven hills of Rome. It is famous for its panoramic terrace overlooking Rome, orange trees, silence, and romantic atmosphere. From here you can see St. Peter's, the Tiber, Trastevere, the Janiculum, and on clear days, the mountains. It is one of the favorite spots for sunsets and weddings.

Where it is and how to get there

• Address:Piazza Pietro d'Illiria (Aventine, near Santa Sabina)

• Metro B:Circo Massimo stop (15 minutes uphill on foot)

• Bus:3, 23, 44, 75, 81, 85, 87, 160, 175, 628, 715 (Aventino stop or Porta Lavernale)

• On foot:from Bocca della Verità (15 minutes uphill), from Trastevere (20 minutes across Ponte Palatino)

What to see at the Orange Garden

The panoramic terrace

The main reason for the visit. A balcony with a travertine railing overlooking Rome. From here you can see:

• St. Peter's Basilica (dome)

• Tiber River and Tiber Island

• Trastevere and Gianicolo

• In the distance, Monte Mario

Best time:sunset (one hour before sunset to find a spot on the railing). Arrive early because it gets very crowded at twilight.

The orange trees

Walk among bitter orange trees (not edible, but very fragrant in spring). The benches under the trees are perfect for reading or resting.

Fountain and basins

Small central fountain with drinking water.

The "keyhole" (Aventino)

It's not in the garden, but a 5-minute walk:going up via di Santa Sabina, you arrive at the square of the Knights of Malta. Here there is a green door with akeyholethat perfectly frames the dome of St. Peter's at the end of a tree-lined avenue. It is one of the most famous photos of Rome (there is always a line, a few seconds per person).

Basilica of Santa Sabina (next door)

• Hours:6:45 AM - 12:45 PM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Entrance:free

• Why visit it:it is a 5th-century paleochristian basilica, with original cedar wood doors (carved biblical scenes). Very simple and evocative.

Piazza Pietro d'Illiria (entrance)

The square in front of the garden, with a fountain and a secondary belvedere (less famous, but quieter).

History

The garden was designed in 1932 by architect Raffaele De Vico on an area that once belonged to the Savelli fortress (hence the name Parco Savello). The orange trees were planted to recall the Arab gardens of Sicily.

Hours and access

• Hours:every day 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (winter), 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (spring/fall), 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (summer). Closes at sunset.

• Entrance:free

• Attention:there are no public restrooms (you have to go to nearby bars). There is no kiosk (bring water).

How much time is needed

• Just the Orange Garden:20-30 minutes (view + photos)

• With the keyhole and Santa Sabina:1 hour

• With a walk on the Aventine:1.5 hours (add the Garden of Sant'Alessio and the view from the Pincio Terrace over the Aventine)

Tips for sunset

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset (the railing fills up quickly).

• Bring a jacket (it gets windy in the evening).

• No prohibition on sitting on the grass (you can have a picnic).

• Couples are everywhere (very romantic atmosphere).

Comparison table of the three villas

One-day itinerary in the parks of Rome

Morning (Villa Borghese):9:00-12:00 – Visit the Borghese Gallery (reservation required), then walk to the pond and Pincio. Lunch at the kiosk or in the Flaminio area.

Afternoon (Villa Ada):14:30-16:30 – Take bus 63 or 92 from Flaminio to Villa Ada (20 minutes). Walk in the woods, picnic if you have time.

Sunset (Orange Garden):5:30 PM - 7:00 PM – Bus 160 from Villa Ada to Circo Massimo (30 minutes), then a 15-minute walk. Enjoy the sunset and the keyhole.

Attention:It’s an intense day (lots of moving around). It’s better to split it into two days: Villa Borghese (one day) and Villa Ada + Orange Garden (another afternoon).

Frequently asked questions about the parks and villas of Rome

Can you enter with a dog?

Yes, in all three villas. In Villa Ada, there is a fenced area for dogs off-leash.

Are there public restrooms?

Villa Borghese: yes (Pincio, lake, Gallery). Villa Ada: only a bar at the entrance. Orange Garden: no (you have to go to the bar on Via di Santa Sabina).

Can you have a picnic?

Yes, in all. In Villa Borghese, there are grassy areas, in Villa Ada there are tables, in the Orange Garden you can sit on the grass.

Are the villas accessible to disabled people?

Villa Borghese: yes (paved paths). Villa Ada: partially (some unpaved areas). Orange Garden: yes (flat).

Is there parking?

Villa Borghese: paid parking (Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 2 €/hour). Villa Ada: free parking on Via Salaria (hard to find a spot). Orange Garden: only street parking (paid or blue lines).

Which park is the best for children?

Villa Borghese (Biopark, lake with boats, playgrounds). Villa Ada is wilder, suitable for older children. Orange Garden is just for the view (no play areas).

Can you swim in the lake of Villa Ada?

No, it is prohibited. The lake is not suitable for swimming.

Is the Orange Garden open at night?

No, it closes at sunset. The hours vary by season (from 6:00 PM in winter to 9:00 PM in summer).

FAQ

Which villa is better for running?

Villa Ada (dirt and paved paths, less crowded). Villa Borghese is more crowded but picturesque.

Can you eat the oranges from the Orange Garden?

No, they are bitter oranges (not edible). Leave them on the tree.

Is there a bar inside Villa Ada?

Yes, at the entrance on Via Salaria (hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM). Sandwiches, coffee, ice cream.

Is it really mandatory to book for the Borghese Gallery?

Yes, you cannot enter without a reservation. Online tickets sell out weeks in advance (especially on weekends).

Can you enter the Borghese Gallery with a backpack?

Yes, but you must leave it in the free storage (at the entrance). Small bags are allowed.

Is the Orange Garden suitable for people with mobility difficulties?

Yes, it is all flat. The entrance is in Piazza Pietro d'Illiria (no stairs). The terrace has a small ramp.

Which park is better for a romantic picnic?

Villa Borghese (lawn near the pond) or Orange Garden (on the grass, with a view).

A refreshing break

Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, and the Orange Gardenthey represent three different ways to experience green spaces in Rome. Villa Borghese is the royal, cultural, and central park: ideal for a morning of art (Borghese Gallery) and romantic walks on the Pincio. Villa Ada is the wild lung, perfect for those seeking peace, jogging, and nature away from tourists. The Orange Garden is the little panoramic gem, the right place for an unforgettable sunset and a photo through the keyhole. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day, these parks will give you a refreshing break and glimpses of Rome that you won't find on any postcard.

To integrate these green oases with the great monuments, authentic neighborhoods, and hidden treasures of the city, and to plan transportation, costs, and accommodations, read the complete guide that reveals every corner of the Capital, from the historic center to the green lungs.

Revision date:March 15, 2026