Known as ‘The Eternal City’ to many, Rome has a rich history and cultural heritage behind it, and its storied past is reflected in the city’s famous architecture. Yet there’s a side to this city that isn’t often mentioned in the guide books: its outdoor beauty.
All you have to do is take a Rome walking tour to see for yourself the wealth of fountains, gardens, and stunning outdoor spaces that add another layer of intrigue to the Italian capital.
The Eternal City’s Famous Fountains
The human-made beauty of Rome is characterized mostly through the architecture that pays homage to the Roman Empire, such as the Colosseum and the Ancient Forum. Yet the city also sports several celebrated water features around the city, including the famous Trevi Fountain.
The Trevi Fountain has stood the test of time since the 18th century, and stands up today as one of Rome’s most visited attractions. The fountain pumps around 85,000 cubic meters of water every day, and underwent a restoration in 2015 which uncovered intricate details such as mythological figures and marble seashells.
The Baroque fountain depicts Oceanus, the God of water, riding his shell chariot alongside mythical creatures such as hippocampi – half horse and half fish.
Villa Borghese: Rome’s Green Heart
Located a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain, you’ll find the Villa Borghese, a spectacular landscape garden with various museums, monuments, and more.
Spanning over 80 hectares, Villa Borghese is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for a moment to reflect during your time in The Eternal City. As a tourist hotspot, Rome can feel like a fast-paced city at times, so a walk around Villa Borghese could be the perfect change of pace for your trip.
Make sure to visit the lake and rent a rowboat, check out the historic zoological garden, the Bioparco, and explore the secret gardens where you’ll find a collection of Renaissance statues.
The Orange Garden of Aventine Hill
If panoramic views of the city or a sunset hike are on your bucket list, The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) offers the perfect vantage point.
With spectacular views across the city, this is one of the best spots to take in Rome from above, perched atop one of its seven hills. While here, you can also take in the citrus trees which were first planted by Medieval monks.
Be sure to bring your camera for this excursion, as if you get it just right, the trees on either side of you will frame St. Peter’s dome in the distance and make for an enviable vacation snap.
The Hidden Courtyards of Trastevere
Trastevere is a bohemian district in Rome where you’ll find mazy, colorful streets and verdant courtyards in abundance. If you’re looking for a bite to eat or an ‘aperitif’ before dinner, you’ll find a range of eateries, bars, and centuries-old fountains which complement the climbing vines and potted herbs.
This is a district that speaks to Rome’s natural and architectural beauty, and is well worth several hours of your trip.
Feel Like Royalty at the Villa Doria Pamphili
The Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome’s largest urban park, situated in Monteverde, atop the Janiculum hill.
If you’re looking for a vast green space to stretch your legs with a caffè con latte, plan to spend the morning here slightly away from the hustle of the city. While at the park, you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities, including:
- Private tours of the Villa Pamphili gardens
- Walks with panoramic views of the park
- Touring the Doria Pamphilj gallery
- Navigating the park’s maze
Home to a 17th century villa, the park would have once belonged to the Pamphili family, but when the family line died out in the 18th century it changed hands while keeping the family name alive.
Seeing the Other Side of Rome
For many, Rome is a lively city break destination where you can tick off several world-famous monuments that keep the Roman Empire alive. However, when you look beneath the surface, the city has so much more to offer if you’re a fan of long walks, green spaces, and natural beauty.
Remember, bring a camera and a water bottle to make the most of your adventures and excursions.
Image by Udo from Pixabay
Folia b&b. Naturalmente, a Roma! – Green Bed & Breakfast in Roma, RM, Lazio, IT 
B&B a casa di Silvia. – Bed & Breakfast Ecosostenibile a Rocca Massima, Latina, Lazio, IT 
B&B Nero Buono – Bed & Breakfast Ecosostenibile a Cori, LT, Lazio, IT 
