Orange Garden

Orange Garden is a public park on the Aventine Hill covering roughly eight thousand square meters of planted grounds, with symmetrical paths winding between orange trees and Mediterranean greenery. The main terrace overlooks the rooftops of the city, the Tiber River, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica rising in the distance among pines and cypresses.

The site belonged to the Crescenzi family fortress in the 10th century before passing to the Savelli family during the medieval period. In the 13th century, Dominic established a monastery here that later transformed into a Dominican church with an adjoining garden.

The park honors Dominic of Caleruega, who founded a monastery here in the early 13th century. The orange trees planted throughout the garden pay tribute to the saint, whose order worked at this site and remains active in the neighboring church.

Access is from Piazza Pietro d'Illiria, usually from 7 a.m. until dusk, depending on the season. The paths are flat and easy to walk, with benches along the main avenue offering resting spots with open views to the west.

The keyhole in the gate of the nearby Villa Malta offers a framed view of the same St. Peter's Basilica visible from the park grounds. Many visitors combine both viewpoints during a walk through the neighborhood, discovering different perspectives on the same landmark.

Location: Rome

GPS coordinates: 41.88510,12.48040

Latest update: December 18, 2025 20:09