Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens), Rome

Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens), Rome

The Farnese Gardens, or Orti Farnesiani, hold a special place in the rich cultural and historical landscape of Rome. Established in the 16th century, these were among the first private botanical gardens in Europe, and they remain a symbol of the Renaissance's influence on art, science, and nature.

Located on the Palatine Hill, the Farnese Gardens were commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese in 1550. The Cardinal, who came from one of Italy's most influential noble families, aimed to create a space that reflected the grandeur and intellect of the period, combining elements of art, nature, and antiquities in one place.

Designed by architect Giacomo Vignola, the gardens were laid out in terraces, offering panoramic views over the Roman Forum. They featured an impressive array of plants, fountains, aviaries, and ancient sculptures, as well as an intricate network of grottoes and pathways. These features were designed to imitate the ancient Roman gardens and reflected the Renaissance fascination with ancient Rome.

The gardens also served as a museum of sorts, housing an extensive collection of statues, frescoes, and inscriptions. Many of these were unearthed from the ruins of the Palatine Hill itself, underscoring the garden's connection to the ancient past.

While the original splendor of the Farnese Gardens has faded over time, the remains have been partially restored and can be visited as part of the Palatine Hill archaeological site. Today, visitors can walk through the terraces and enjoy the stunning views, imagining the grandeur that once was.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens) on Map

Sight Name: Orti Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Food Tasting Walking Tour

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Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

Roman Forum and Imperial Forums Walking Tour

It's a known fact that "Rome wasn't built in a day." But when it was finally built, it stood the test of time and became "the eternal city." Many have heard that "all roads lead to Rome," but very few probably realize that inside Rome itself all roads lead to the Forum.

The central hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum (also known by its Latin name...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles

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