Villa Celimontana, Rome

Villa Celimontana, with its formal walks and avenues, encompasses a significant portion of the Celian Hill in Rome. Originally known as Villa Mattei, the estate was constructed in the 1580s and today serves as the headquarters of the Italian Geographical Society, while the park, adorned with majestic pine trees that provide ample shade, is now under the ownership of the city of Rome. It remains an idyllic location for picnics, featuring a playground with swings and offering delightful pony rides. Additionally, during balmy summer evenings, visitors can relish outdoor jazz concerts held within its confines.

Back in 1553, the Dukes of Mattei purchased this land and transformed the hillside vineyards into an exquisite formal garden. Amidst the lush greenery, you'll discover an assortment of exotic trees (including palms), as well as a remarkable Egyptian obelisk adorned with hieroglyphs depicting the life of Ramses II. Presented to the Mattei family in 1582, this obelisk became the centerpiece of the park. Eventually, in 1817, it was repositioned to its current location on the left side of the main entrance. An intriguing tale accompanies the relocation, involving a workman who had his hand and forearm trapped during the process. Tragically, a part of his arm had to be amputated, and his hand and forearm remain entombed beneath the weighty obelisk.

In the past, the Mattei family opened the park to the public during the annual Visit of the Seven Churches, a cherished event established by Saint Filippo Neri in 1553. During this momentous occasion, Romans embarked on a pilgrimage on foot, commencing from the Chiesa Nuova and visiting the city's seven major churches. Upon arriving at Villa Mattei, they were bestowed with provisions including bread, wine, salami, cheese, an egg, and two apples.