A view of the Rose Garden in Rome

The Rose Garden will reopen from October 24 to November 10, offering a unique sensory experience even in the autumn season

From October 24 to November 10, Rome’s Municipal Rose Garden will welcome visitors for its fall season, providing a rare opportunity to admire the second bloom of the year in this extraordinary botanical collection. Situated on the slopes of Aventine Hill, the garden showcases over a thousand varieties of roses from around the world, creating a vivid display of colors and fragrances that turns this corner of Rome into a peaceful oasis. During the 18-day opening, visitors can explore not only modern rose varieties in full bloom but also some ancient species that continue to blossom, thanks to the mild climate. The garden offers stunning views, stretching from Palatine Hill to the Jewish Ghetto, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere.

The Municipal Rose Garden has a history that dates back to the third century B.C., when the hill was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Flora, with her festivities — known as the Floralia — taking place at the Circus Maximus. However, it wasn’t until 1932 that the city’s first Municipal Rose Garden was established on Colle Oppio. After being destroyed during World War II, the garden was rebuilt in 1950 at its current location, a site that had served as Rome’s Jewish cemetery from the 17th century until 1934. To honor the area’s past, the garden was designed with pathways that trace the shape of a menorah. Additionally, a stele inscribed with the Ten Commandments pays tribute to its historical significance.

The Rose Garden serves as a hub for the promotion of botanical and horticultural culture, showcasing approximately 1,100 rose varieties from around the world, categorized into three main groups: botanical, ancient, and modern roses. Among the botanical roses, which are centuries-old and have unusual shapes, the highly fragrant Roxburghii plena and the pure white Laxa stand out. The section dedicated to ancient roses features varieties from the early 19th century, when hybridization experiments first began. These include the Gallica, admired in ancient times for its deep red petals, the intensely fragrant Damascena, and the Rosa Alba, a symbol of purity. In the modern collection, hybrids such as H.T. (Hybrid Tea) roses, which have a single flower per stem, Floribundas with clustered blooms, and Miniature roses — also known as “Lilliputian” roses — are showcased in a wide array of shapes and colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues.

Among the more intriguing varieties are the Rosa Chinensis Mutabilis, whose petals can change color up to seven times in just a few days, and the Rosa Foetida, known for its rather pungent scent. Another noteworthy rose is the renowned Peace, which gained symbolic significance at the end of World War II, adorning the tables at the San Francisco Conference where peace treaties were negotiated.
Every year, in the second half of May, the Rose Garden hosts the prestigious International Rome Prize Competition, which recognizes the best new rose varieties. The competing roses are evaluated based on criteria such as color, fragrance, disease resistance, and flower shape. This competition draws participants from around the world and is a significant event in the international floriculture community.

In the 82nd edition, Germany emerged as the most awarded country, securing prizes in the International H.T. and Shrub categories, as well as special awards for the Journalists’ Rose and Gardeners’ Rose. France took first place in the Climbing Rose category with Rêve d’Or and won two special prizes: Fragrance and Children’s Rose. Belgium received recognition in the Floribunda category.

Although it doesn’t coincide with the competition season, the Rose Garden’s fall opening offers a rare opportunity to appreciate its timeless beauty, as the season brings out richer hues and a unique charm. During this time, the roses take on warmer and richer hues, blending beautifully with the surrounding cityscape to create a vivid and captivating scene. Visitors can stroll among the arbors and winding pathways, immersed in the fragrance of award-winning roses from previous years, while taking in the sweeping views from the Palatine Hill to the Synagogue’s dome.

Beyond simply admiring the roses, the Municipal Rose Garden organizes a variety of activities to engage and educate visitors. These include guided tours and educational programs dedicated to the appreciation of this iconic flower, as well as gardening workshops and botany courses for those eager to expand their knowledge.

TriviHo, the perfect base for discovering Rome’s romantic side

Romantic and relaxing experiences await you in the heart of the Eternal City

For a romantic stroll or a peaceful break surrounded by nature, you don’t need to travel far: the fall opening of the Municipal Rose Garden offers a unique chance to experience an enchanting sensory journey right in the heart of the Capital.

Located in Via Barberini, TriviHo – Luxury Hotel Rome is the perfect choice for those looking to effortlessly explore the wonders of the Eternal City. Located just steps away from iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, the hotel offers a prime location with easy access to the Municipal Rose Garden. After a day spent exploring nature, guests can unwind in our elegant rooms, meticulously designed with every detail in mind to ensure the utmost relaxation. For international travelers, TriviHo offers personalized services, including multilingual staff and assistance in organizing private tours, ensuring a stay that is both relaxing and culturally enriching.

In addition to exploring the city’s most famous monuments, guests can enhance their stay with an itinerary that includes lesser-known gems, such as the historic Rose Garden, cherished by international visitors for its charm. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s strategic location to visit the Rose Garden, and then explore the nearby archaeological wonders, such as the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the evocative ruins of the Palatine Hill. Visiting the Rose Garden during this season offers a unique opportunity to experience the city in a more tranquil atmosphere, away from the summer crowds, and immersed in the enchantment of warm colors and rich fragrances.

How to reach the Municipal Rose Garden: an oasis of peace in the heart of Rome

Directions to the Rose Garden from Hotel TriviHo

The Municipal Rose Garden is located on Via di Valle Murcia, in the Aventine district. For TriviHo’s guests, it can be easily reached by public transportation or on foot.

For a quicker route, take subway line A (direction Anagnina) from Barberini station, transferring at Termini to line B and getting off at Circo Massimo station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Rose Garden’s main entrance. Otherwise, you can enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk through the historic center, passing Via delle Terme di Tito and the Circus Maximus.

The Rose Garden will be open from October 24 to November 10, from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., including holidays. Admission is free. Guided tours can also be booked by contacting the garden at 06.5746810 or by emailing rosetoromacapitale@comune.roma.it