Between the ruins of ancient Rome and its grand Baroque architecture, the Eternal City also hides unexpected corners of paradise. Places where nature quietly takes over.
One of these is the Rose Garden, a true piece of heaven that hosts over 1,100 species of roses from all around the world, right in the heart of ancient Rome. It sits on the slope of the Aventine Hill, directly facing the Circus Maximus (you can easily reach it via the Circo Massimo metro stop), and offers a breathtaking view of the Imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill across the valley.
What’s the story of the Rose Garden of Rome?
Like everything in Rome, the Rose Garden has a long and layered history. In ancient times, this area was dedicated to the goddess Flora, and a temple stood here as early as the 3rd century BC. Over the centuries, the land was transformed into vegetable gardens and vineyards. Later, in the 1600s, it became the garden and cemetery of Rome’s Jewish community.
In the 1930s, the Jewish cemetery was relocated to Verano Cemetery, and the land was donated to the city of Rome. This heritage is still visible today in two meaningful ways: a stone bearing a Hebrew inscription at the entrance, and the very layout of the garden, which is designed in the shape of a menorah.
The modern Rose Garden was created thanks to the vision of Mary Gayley Senni, an American countess, passionate flower lover, and botanical expert. After marrying an Italian count, she moved to Italy and made it her home, dedicating herself to this beautiful project.
At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that nature rules here—and you truly feel it when you visit. Not all roses bloom at the same time, as each variety follows its own natural cycle. For this reason, the garden is not open all year round, but only for a few weeks during spring and autumn. It’s always best to check the official website for updated opening dates and times.
What can you see in the Rose Garden?
This place is incredibly photogenic, so don’t forget your camera—and maybe even a nice outfit for some memorable shots!
With over 1,100 varieties of roses from countries as distant as China and Mongolia, the garden is also a fun place to explore: each plant is labeled with its name, year, and country of origin, so you can challenge yourself to find the oldest or most exotic one.
Every May, the garden hosts an International Rose Competition, where growers from all over the world present their finest creations. Interestingly, the jury is not composed solely of botanical experts, but also includes notable figures from the cultural and social world. It is said that even Agatha Christie served as a juror in the 1950s, under a pseudonym! The award-winning roses are displayed in a dedicated section of the garden.
When can you visit?
Entrance to the Rose Garden is free, and no reservation is required, though it’s always wise to double-check the latest information online before your visit.
During the Spring 2026, the Rose Garden will open on April 11th.
In short, this is a truly special place that deserves a spot on your Rome itinerary. You can easily combine it with a visit to the nearby Orange Garden (one of the city’s most beautiful panoramic terraces) and the famous keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta, through which you can perfectly frame the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. All of this is just a short walk away.
Here’s a short video to give you a feel for it.
Want to discover more gems of Rome?
Take a look at our small-group walking tours. On these tours you explore Rome’s iconic sights and lots of unexpected wonders you might miss otherwise, always in intimate groups of no more than 12 people.
Our tours are not packed, not rushed, and not stuck in tourist spots — because this is how we’d show Rome to a close friend. You can learn more about how our Rome tours work or the best Rome tours.
