Rome’s Municipal Rose Garden will reopen its gates on Monday, April 21, 2025, to mark the celebration of Rome’s birthday. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire over a thousand varieties of roses from all over the world. Spread across approximately ten thousand square meters above the Circus Maximus, the garden will be open every day from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM until June 15. Due to roadworks, the main entrance is temporarily closed; access is available from Via Clivo dei Publicii 3.
The Rose Garden features a wide range of roses, including rare and curious varieties such as the Rosa Chinensis Viridiflora, known for its green petals; the Rosa Chinensis Mutabilis, which changes color as the days go by; and the Rosa Foetida, famous for its pungent smell. Some of these species date back forty million years, representing a botanical heritage of immeasurable value.
The history of the Rose Garden is deeply intertwined with that of the city of Rome. As early as Tacitus’ Annals, there is mention of a temple dedicated to the goddess Flora, whose festival, the Floralia, was held in the spring at the Circus Maximus. In 1645, the area became the Jewish Garden, which included a small cemetery for the Jewish community. After the cemetery was relocated to Verano in 1934, the area was designated as parkland under Rome’s General Town Plan. In 1950, the Rose Garden was inaugurated in its current form, with paths designed to mimic the shape of a menorah, as a gesture of thanks to the Jewish community.
The reopening of the Rose Garden coincides with the celebration of Rome’s 2,778th birthday, taking place on April 21. On this occasion, the city hosts a variety of cultural events and festivities, including music, poetry, and guided tours, to honor its rich history and heritage.
The Municipal Rose Garden is a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, offering visitors a truly unique experience in the heart of Rome.
