Discover Rome’s Hidden Oasis: Orto Botanico di Roma

Rome is celebrated for its ancient stone structures, delectable food, and majestic fountains. Most visitors are unaware that Rome is also home to a peaceful botanical garden that is an excellent place to escape the crowds in one of Italy’s most visited cities. Orto Botanico di Roma features rows of palm trees, a bamboo forest, and a stately fountain that cascades down a staircase that is an excellent spot to relax on a sizzling hot day.

Founded in 1883, Orto Botanico di Roma is operated by the biology department of Sapienza University. Orto Botanico is a research facility that doubles as a beautiful park. For a small fee, visitors can spend a few hours touring the grounds. One of the most popular sections of the garden is the Japanese Garden—which features a row of vibrant cherry trees, a pond, and a bench. The bamboo forest that is adjacent to the Japanese Garden is one of the biggest in all of Europe.

Near the palm-lined entrance of Orto Botanico di Roma there is a Garden of the Senses that is accessible to visually impaired people. The Garden of the Senses features plants with strong scents and unique textures. Each plant features a sign with a description that is written in braille.

Orto Botanico di Roma is also home to a handful of greenhouses. Visitors can view rare orchids, bonsai, and spindly succulents. A French greenhouse built during the Belle Époque era features gorgeous ironwork. The tropical greenhouse features bright blooms and towering palm trees.

For a small additional fee, visitors can enter a room full of fluttering butterflies and flowering plants. Visitors can watch as iridescent blue, orange, and green butterflies snack on tropical fruit and bright flowers. The butterfly room adds quite a bit of magic to any tour of Rome.

Other grand highlights of Orto Botanico di Roma are the rose garden, a display of Italian grape varietals, and a small medicinal garden that was initially planted by monks. Visitors can spend a relaxing morning or afternoon admiring ferns, flowers, and exotic plants that are not normally spotted in Rome.

Orto Botanico di Roma is located next to the Trastevere neighborhood which is home to historical churches, sumptuous restaurants, and charming streets that were once frequented by fishermen. A few hours spent enjoying the lush beauty of Orto Botanico di Roma will add some serenity to a hectic tour of Rome.