The Orange Garden in Rome is one of the most romantic sights in the world. No need to stand in a multi-meter queue either for tickets or at the entrance. It is enough to get up early and, armed with a good mood, go for a walk in a magnificent garden.
History of the garden
The history of the orange garden in Rome begins in the tenth century. At that time, the Eternal City was ruled by the large famous Crescenzo family. The place where the park is now located was great for building a castle, which they did. For many years the family ruled the city from the castle. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, Giacomo Savelli, known to history as Honorius the Fourth, was elected the next Pope.
The castle on the Aventine Hill passed into the hands of the pontiff and was turned into an impregnable fortress. The architects hired for the construction erected impregnable walls around the castle, which still surround the orange garden in Rome. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the local authorities came to the decision to open the site for free visits, as this is one of the best panoramic places in the city. In 1932 there wereorange trees were planted, which have been kept in perfect order ever since. Every resident and visitor of the city can climb the Aventine Hill, admire the city and breathe in the sweet aroma of orange flowers, which is so strong that it can be heard throughout the city.
How to get there
The Orange Garden in Rome is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the city, not only among young people, but also among the older generation. Magnificent views, clean air filled with orange scents make you come back here again and again. Getting to the garden is easy. The garden is located on the Aventino Hill. It is close to Piazza Petra d'Illyria and Clivo di Rocca Savello, walking distance from the city center.
There are citywide buses 715, 160 and 81 towards Savello Park. If you chose this route, get off at the Terme Deciane-Santa Prisca stop. You can also, of course, take a taxi. The driver will take you directly to one of the three entrances. If you chose the metro, then you need the Piramido station. The exit from the subway is located on the hill itself and you find yourself immediately in the garden. The watchmen open the garden early in the morning and close it after sunset. Admission is free.
Interesting facts
Few people know, but five centuries ago, the orange garden in Rome was decorated with a magnificent fountain, which was made by the famous Roman sculptor Pietro Gucci in the early sixteenth century. In 1932, the fountain was moved to Piazza Montanara, andforty years later to the Palazzo Lonzelotti area.
The garden has a romantic cultural vibe, so it's no surprise that theatrical performances are held here. In 2009, a small square of an interesting oval shape named after Fiorenso Fiorentini was opened here. The famous Italian actor and screenwriter gave life to a music competition for aspiring composers.
Keyhole
A trip to Rome is not complete without classic sights. However, there are places that tourist guides do not tell about. And if you have reached the Aventine Hill, the southernmost of the seven, then be sure to climb to its highest point. There you will find a unique keyhole, which Russian-speaking guides in Rome almost never talk about. Looking into it, you can see three unique state formations - Italy, the Order of M alta and, of course, the Vatican.
Attractions nearby
The most popular tours to Italy are weekend tours. The question of what to see in Rome in 3 days is the most discussed when planning a route. We suggest the following must-see places. So.
Pavement Piazza Navona. To be in a city with a thousand-year history and not visit a place of the same age would be just blasphemy. This is one of the oldest pavements, which remembers almost all the rulers of the great empire, all the Italian high society beauties who walked along it. In addition, the famous fountain is located here."By the Four Rivers". Legend has it that the stone masterpiece was named after the waters of four rivers: the Nile, Danube, Ganges and La Plata, located on the four cardinal points.
Castle of the Holy Angel. This majestic building began to be erected in the second century AD. During its long history, this building served as the house in which the Popes lived, it was a prison, a warehouse and even a tomb. Today, the castle houses a military history museum. Interestingly, the castle got its name in honor of the Archangel Michael, who, according to legend, descended from heaven and appeared before the eyes of Pope Gregory. The castle is connected to the other side of the Tiber by a very beautiful bridge, which was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.
Reviews of tourists
Italy is a country open to tourists, and almost every third person managed to enjoy its wonderful atmosphere and share their impressions and reviews. The first thing that tourists who walk in the orange garden in Rome advise is not to taste oranges that hang on branches or lie on the ground. The temptation is great, but these varieties are not grafted and are not intended for human consumption because of their bitterness and dryness. These plants are created exclusively for decorative purposes. That is why they have such a persistent sweetish aroma that spreads throughout the area.
Tourists also like the magnificent panoramic views of the city that open from the Aventine Hill. But a special expanse here for gourmets and connoisseurs of real Italian cuisine. Everyone knows that to get a taste of Italy, you need to eat where the locals eat. The Orange Garden is located in the historical part of the city, so the nearby streets are flooded with small cozy cafes, where you can get the freshest coffee, hot pizza and a sea of pure Italian desserts at an affordable price.
Before you travel, be sure to get yourself comfortable shoes with flat soles. This, it would seem, the simplest advice is most often neglected, rubbing and breaking legs into the blood in long walks.