Discovering Villa Celimontana
Villa Celimontana is an enchanting oasis of peace and tranquility located on the Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. This splendid park, which extends over an area of approximately 11 hectares, is one of the most evocative places in the eternal city and is an unmissable destination for tourists who want to discover the greener side of Rome.
The history of Villa Celimontana dates back to Roman times, when the Caelian Hill was a luxury residential area frequented by the noble families of Rome. Over the centuries, the hill has undergone numerous transformations and has hosted various buildings, including a monastery, a cardinal’s residence and a military hospital. In 1926, the area was purchased by Prince Wolkonsky, who transformed it into a private residence and enriched the garden with numerous exotic plants from all over the world.
In 1970, the villa was purchased by the Municipality of Rome and transformed into a public park open to citizens and tourists. Today, Villa Celimontana is an oasis of peace and tranquility where it is possible to walk among hedges, statues and fountains, admire rare and exotic plants and enjoy a splendid view of the city.
The park of Villa Celimontana is particularly loved by the Romans, who frequent it especially in the summer to enjoy the coolness and beauty of the place. During the summer season, in fact, the park hosts numerous cultural and musical events, including jazz, classical and world music concerts, theatrical performances and outdoor film screenings.
Among the most interesting attractions of Villa Celimontana there are certainly the ancient Roman ruins, including a nymphaeum, a bathtub and a large cistern which date back to the era of Emperor Septimius Severus. Furthermore, within the park there are numerous monuments, including the Fontana dell’Amphorae, the Fontana dei Fiumi and the Fontana delle Rane.
For the more active visitors, Villa Celimontana offers the possibility of practicing outdoor sports, such as jogging, tai chi, pilates and yoga. Furthermore, inside the park there is also a children’s playground, where the little ones can have fun and play safely.
Finally, we cannot talk about Villa Celimontana without mentioning the Museum of the Italian Geological Society, which is located inside the villa and houses a rich collection of minerals, rocks and fossils from all over the world.
Villa Celimontana is ultimately one of the most beautiful and evocative places in Rome, an oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of the eternal city and very close to our holiday homes!
