Visiting The Orange Garden
The Orange Trees Garden (Italian: Giardino degli aranci) is the name used in Rome to describe the Parco Savello.
It is about 7,800 square meters and is located on the Aventine Hill. The park offers an excellent view of the city.
The garden, as it is today, was designed in 1932 by Raffaele De Vico.
It was constructed to offer public access to the view from the side of the hill, creating a new ‘’belvedere’’, to be added to the existing viewpoints in Rome from the Pincian Hill and the Janiculum.
History
The garden, whose name comes from the many bitter orange trees growing there, extends over the area of an ancient fortress built near the basilica of Santa Sabina by the Savelli family between 1285 and 1287, which, in turn, was built over an old castle constructed by the Crescentii in the tenth century.
The garden is bordered by a wall that once surrounded the Savelli castle and other remains of the castle can also be still seen.
The castle was later given to the Dominican Order from Santa Sabina, which transformed it into a monastery, and the small park into a vegetable garden.
According to legend Saint Dominic gave the garden its first orange tree, after transporting a sapling from Spain.
Legend also tells that Saint Catherine of Siena picked the oranges from this tree and made candied fruit, which she gave to Pope Urban VI.
Modern park
The garden setting is very symmetrical, with a central avenue aligned with the viewpoint, and later named in honour of the actor Nino Manfredi.
The central square is named after another Roman actor, Fiorenzo Fiorentini, who for many years led the ongoing summer theatre season in the park.
The fountain at the entrance in Piazza Pietro D’Illiria is made up of two separate pieces: a Roman thermal bath, and a monumental marble mask originally carved to adorn a fountain built in 1593 by Giacomo della Porta for a cattle market (Campo Vaccino) in the centre of Rome.
The mask has a long history. After the dismantling in 1816 of the Campo Vaccino fountain, it was recovered and from 1827 used to decorate a fountain erected on the right bank of the Tiber.
This fountain was demolished in 1890 and the sculpture was kept in municipal warehouses until being moved to its present location.
Walking Route
From The Rabbit Hole to Giardino degli Aranci 🌿✨
Rome is best explored on foot, and from Via Napoleone Parboni to Orange Garden, it’s just a short 20-minute walk (around 1.5 km), taking you through some of the city’s most fascinating spots! 🏛️🚶♂️
Step-by-Step Route
Start on Via Napoleone Parboni and head east towards Viale Trastevere. As you cross the lively Ponte Sublicio, you’ll get your first glimpse of the Tiber River. 🌊
Just after the bridge, turn left onto Via di Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Here, you’ll find:
- Bocca della Verità 🗿: The famous “Mouth of Truth” inside Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church—dare to put your hand in? 😜
- Tempio di Ercole Vincitore & Tempio di Portuno: Two stunning, well-preserved ancient Roman temples. 🏛️
Continue straight to Piazza della Bocca della Verità, then turn right onto Via della Greca. Follow it until you reach Via del Circo Massimo. On your left, you’ll see:
- Circo Massimo 🏟️: The massive ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium—now a beautiful open space for walks and events.
Walk along Via di Valle Murcia, then turn right onto Clivo dei Publicii—a short but scenic uphill road leading to Piazza Pietro d’Illiria.
Final Stop: Orange Garden ! 🌳
- Also known as the Orange Garden, this peaceful park offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, overlooking the Tiber, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the city’s rooftops. 🏙️🌅
Why Take This Walk?
✔️ Short and easy (20 minutes, 1.5 km)
✔️ Pass by historical landmarks along the way
✔️ Enjoy a stunning view as a reward at the top!
Perfect for a relaxing stroll before sunset! 🌇🐰 Let us know if you’d like more walking itineraries from The Rabbit Hole! 🚶♂️✨ #DiscoverRome #WalkingTour #TheRabbitHoleRome
