Horti Epaphroditiani, Archaeological site on Esquiline Hill, Rome, Italy
Horti Epaphroditiani is an archaeological site on Esquiline Hill containing the remains of an ancient Roman garden estate with integrated water systems. Excavations have uncovered channels, basins, and structural features that once formed an elaborate network for water distribution across the grounds.
The gardens were developed in the 1st century for Tiberius Claudius Epaphroditus, a Greek-born freedman who served as an aide to Emperor Nero. This property reflects how even members of the freedman class could commission substantial estates during the imperial period.
These gardens show how wealthy Romans created expansive private green spaces fed by complex water engineering. Walking through the site today, you can sense how fountains and channels once animated this hillside retreat.
The site corresponds to present-day Piazza Fanti in the city center and is accessible to visitors as part of the urban street level. The remains are partially integrated into the modern urban fabric, so observant wandering through the square will reveal details of the ancient layout.
Roman author Frontinus documented these gardens as a point where the Anio Novus aqueduct delivered water to other conduit systems serving the city. This technical detail makes the site valuable evidence of Rome's sophisticated water infrastructure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
