Orti Farnesiani

Gardens Rome, Italy

The Orti Farnesiani Botanical Garden takes its name from the Farnese family, who at the end of the 16th century bought almost the entire surface of the Palatine Hill, transforming it into a splendid garden.

The purpose of this garden was to bring prestige and highlight the power of the Farnese family. The garden was considered to be the oldest in the western world. The villa was surrounded by luxuriant gardens, useful for family recreation and for hosting magnificent receptions. The architect's style can be found in the imposing portal once placed at the entrance to the gardens, and now reassembled as a monumental entrance to the archaeological area. The garden complex is organized on a series of terraces, joined by ramps, which passing through the Nymphaeum of the Rain reached the theater of the Fontanone. Continuing you will find the relics of the imperial palaces. Advance to a brick parapet, which overlooks a Baroque fountain. Looking down from the parapet you can see where people used to walk for al fresco walks. A system of cryptoporticos placed the two main buildings. To the right of the parapet you can see the area where one of the oldest imperial palaces once stood, the Domus Tiberiana.