A glimpse of the Garden of Ninfa

Discover a lush garden with a fascinating, yet troubled history, deeply connected to the medieval history of the surrounding region.

Set on the ruins of a medieval town, the Garden of Ninfa is a hidden gem in the Agro Pontino region, a must-see during your visit to Rome. With its winding streams and small waterfalls, it offers a unique habitat for diverse plant and animal species, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful day surrounded by nature

Declared a natural monument by the Lazio Region in 2000, the Garden of Ninfa—named the most beautiful and romantic garden in the world by the New York Times—spans over 8 hectares on the ruins of the ancient Roman riverside town of Ninfa. Its name comes from a temple dedicated to the Naiad nymphs, deities of spring waters, which was located near the lake from which the Ninfa River flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In the 12th century, Ninfa blossomed into a thriving medieval town, complete with towers, palaces, and as many as nine churches—two outside the walls and seven within. Today, remnants of five of these churches can still be seen, their frescoes detached in 1971 for preservation at the Caetani Castle in Sermoneta: San Giovanni, San Biagio, San Pietro fuori le mura, San Salvatore, and Santa Maria Maggiore. For over a century, Ninfa was a point of contention with the Borgias until 1298, when it was purchased by Benedetto Caetani—better known as Pope Boniface VIII—for his nephew, Peter II. This marked the beginning of the Caetani family’s significant presence in the Pontine and Lepine regions. In 1382, the citadel was sacked and destroyed amid dynastic struggles, while a malaria epidemic turned it into a ghost town for centuries.

The long period of decline that Ninfa experienced was only interrupted in the late 19th century when the Caetani family returned to their long-abandoned estates and reclaimed what had become a marshland. In 1921, Gelasio Caetani decided to transform these ruins into an English garden, carefully respecting and integrating the medieval remnants. This marked the beginning of planting the first cypress, holm oak, and beech trees—now majestic—as well as an abundance of roses. Portions of the ruins were restored, including the baronial palace, which served as the ancient town hall and was intended to become the family’s country house, now housing some offices of the Roffredo Caetani Foundation. The garden’s creation was guided by a deep sensitivity and artistic vision, following an organic approach rather than adhering to a predetermined geometric design.

In the 1930s Marguerite Chapin, Roffredo Caetani’s wife, introduced new species of shrubs and roses to the garden. As a great patron, she opened the doors of the nearby family mansion to a circle of writers and artists connected to various literary magazines she founded. The last heir was Lelia, the daughter of Marguerite and Roffredo. A refined and sensitive painter, she personally tended to the garden, creating compositions that juxtaposed plants and flowers of different shapes and colors while allowing them to grow naturally, without forcing or using harmful substances. Together with her mother, she introduced numerous magnolias, plums, and climbing roses, and created the rock garden, which contributed to the extraordinary landscape we see today. Five years before her death in 1972, Lelia established the Roffredo Caetani Foundation to preserve the family’s legacy while safeguarding the Ninfa Garden and the Castle of Sermoneta. Since 1976, the garden has been a WWF-affiliated oasis aimed at facilitating the stopover and nesting of birdlife.

Today, visitors to Ninfa can explore a romantic, informal garden where nature has beautifully reclaimed the ancient ruins. Surrounded by lush plants from various origins, the remnants of the double walls with their towers, the ruined churches, the town hall, and the charming bridges that cross the river offer a glimpse into the life of the ancient city, its evolution, and the commercial activities that once thrived here. All of this unfolds within an evocative landscape that intertwines history and botany, making Ninfa a truly unique place, rich in a glorious past.

However, it is not just the history that makes the Garden of Ninfa so special; its exceptional biodiversity plays a crucial role as well. Thanks to its unique microclimate, the garden is home to over 1,300 species of trees from around the globe. Among them are Siberian birches, ornamental apple trees, dwarf pomegranates, and majestic magnolias that thrive alongside cherry trees, bamboos, and Japanese red-leaf maples. The garden also features a variety of other ancient specimens, including plane trees, beeches, cedars, and liquidambars, as well as a monumental poplar tree that stands at the center, measuring eight meters in circumference and soaring over thirty meters in height. Adding to its charm is the presence of exotic plants like banana trees and gunnera manicata, a tropical plant from South America with enormous leaves, which has found its ideal habitat along the Ninfa River as it flows through the heart of the garden.

Among the flowers that adorn this bucolic landscape are wisteria, marsh irises, and climbing roses, which bloom profusely in spring, creating glimpses of timeless beauty. In Ninfa, each season offers a symphony of colors—not only those of the flowers but also of the leaves, branches, and trunks that blend together in striking harmony. Alongside these vibrant hues, the luxurious scents of camellias and roses, the fragrant lavender lining the pathways, and the rich aromas of various resins create a unique and enveloping sensory experience. The garden is also home to over 100 species of birds, along with swans and ducks in the tranquil ponds, contributing to the fairy-tale atmosphere that has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets, including the renowned Virginia Woolf, who was profoundly moved by its beauty.

TriviHo, your roman retreat for a romantic getaway

Experience the bucolic beauty of the Garden of Ninfa with an unforgettable stay at TriviHo

The Garden of Ninfa is one of Lazio’s most enchanting destinations, perfect for a romantic day trip just an hour from the Capital. After a day spent in this captivating oasis, there’s nothing better than returning to Rome to recharge for your next adventure. TriviHo – Luxury Hotel, located in the heart of Via Barberini, is the ideal starting point for exploring not only the wonders of Rome but also the hidden gems in its surroundings, like the Garden of Ninfa.

At TriviHo, we offer modern and comfortable rooms designed to ensure your relaxation. Start your day with our international breakfast, featuring fresh, high-quality products. We also provide personalized services to make your stay unique and unforgettable.

Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the world’s most enchanting gardens, just a stone’s throw from Rome. Book your stay at TriviHo – Luxury Hotel today and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Garden of Ninfa. Our staff is always at your service, ready to provide valuable information and recommendations to make your vacation perfect.

Plan your visit to the Garden of Ninfa, the most beautiful in the world

All the information you need about itineraries, tickets, and visiting hours for your tour of Ninfa

The Garden of Ninfa is located in the municipality of Cisterna di Latina, on the border with Norma and Sermoneta, approximately 65 km from Rome.

The most economical way to travel from Rome city centre to the Garden of Ninfa is by train or bus, with a travel time of about two hours. However, the quickest option is to take a taxi or use a private car service, reaching your destination in about an hour.

To preserve its extraordinary beauty, the Garden of Ninfa is open to visitors from spring to autumn, remaining closed during winter. It’s advisable to plan your visit carefully to choose the ideal time to experience the garden in all its glory. Spring is perfect for witnessing its vibrant blooms, while autumn transforms the garden into a tapestry of warm and striking colors.
The Garden of Ninfa is open to the public on specific days, typically on weekends. Visits are guaranteed even in the rain, ensuring an immersive experience in this enchanting setting.

Access to the Garden is allowed exclusively through guided tours lasting about an hour, enabling visitors to fully appreciate its history and botanical wonders. Admission is regulated by time slots, with a maximum of 300 people allowed per shift, divided into smaller groups. For those wishing to bring their dogs, this is permitted as long as the animal weighs less than 5 kg and is kept on a leash at all times.
Booking and payment for the visit can be conveniently made through the online ticketing service. The ticket price is approximately 15 euros per person.