When people think of Rome, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, or the Trevi Fountain immediately come to mind. Yet, the capital also harbors another treasure, often less well-known: its immense green heritage. With its historic villas, panoramic gardens, pine forests, and natural reserves, Rome is considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. Strolling through its neighborhoods, it is easy to come across monumental parks like Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphilj, or Villa Ada, as well as more intimate, quiet spots that surprise anyone looking to slow down the city's pace.
A Springtime Haven: The Municipal Rose Garden
Among these hidden gems is the Municipal Rose Garden of the Aventine Hill (Roseto Comunale), one of the most enchanting corners of the Roman spring. Perched above the Circus Maximus and overlooking the Palatine Hill, the rose garden offers a unique view of the city’s ancient heart. But what truly captivates visitors is the atmosphere: intense colors, delicate fragrances, and a rare silence for a European capital.
A Journey Through History
The history of the Rose Garden is deeply rooted in antiquity. As early as the 3rd century BC, this area was dedicated to the goddess Flora, celebrated during the Floralia festivals. In later centuries, the land became an orchard and a vineyard, eventually serving as the cemetery for Rome's Jewish community. Today, this past is still honored in the garden's pathways, which are designed in the shape of a menorah, the traditional seven-branched Jewish candelabrum.
The current garden was established in 1950, thanks to the dedication of American Countess Mary Gayley Senni. A passionate botanist, she helped make Rome an international benchmark in the world of roses. Today, the garden hosts over a thousand varieties from all over the globe, where ancient, botanical, and modern roses coexist amid stunning colors and rich scents.
Rare Species and International Prestige
Walking along the paths, visitors can admire truly extraordinary species, such as the Rosa Chinensis Viridiflora with its green petals, or the Mutabilis, which changes color as it blooms. The Rose Garden also hosts the prestigious "Premio Roma" (Rome Prize), an important international competition dedicated to new rose varieties.
A Green Sanctuary for Students
For many international students at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, these places represent much more than just a sightseeing stop. Rome's gardens and parks become spaces to walk together, relax after classes, practice speaking Italian, or simply study immersed in nature. In spring, it is common to see groups of students sitting in the shade with their books and notebooks, or capturing photos of the city's floral details.
In this way, Rome reveals a side completely different from the crowded, monumental one everyone knows. It is a slower, more authentic, and everyday side made of nature, light, and shared moments. And it is precisely in places like the Aventine Rose Garden that many students discover one of the most intimate and surprising versions of the Eternal City.
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome
The Eternal City has known it all. Victory and defeat, joy and tragedy, glory and humility marked Rome’s history, culture and architecture. A magical place with vibrant, timeless lifestyle with countless secrets waiting to be discovered.
The Scuola Leonardo da Vinci is situated in the centre of Rome, in the pedestrian area, halfway from the astounding Piazza Navona, Castel S. Angelo and St. Peter Basilica. It is one of the largest schools in Rome.
We, from Leonardo da Vinci School have one mission – to introduce you to this exciting urban symphony. Every year thousand of students from more than 90 countries jump into this adventure hand in hand with us. Leonardo da Vinci School is not only leading language institute, but centre of Italian culture and lifestyle. We match our vast experience with our student’ eagerness to know and learn and together we make it happen.
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