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Rome’s magical gardens and parks are enough to keep you occupied for days; from Villa Torlonia to the Botanical Garden, you can find there countless statues, sculptures and fountains.
However, if you’re looking for beautiful places and hidden gems outside of Rome, you’ll also come across some really unusual spots.
Some I have visited time and time again, and some take a bit longer to reach from the center of the city, making for amazing day trips to go solo, with friends or family.
From the mindblowing Parco dei Tarocchi to huge, historical villas and archaeological parks, keep on reading and you’ll definitely find a new spot to tick off your bucket list!
9 Most Magical Gardens Near Rome & Enchanting Secret Parks
Visiting parks and beautiful gardens is one of my favorite free things to do in Rome, and since I’ve been living here again for over a month, I’ve already taken the time to discover new places.
Like the Museum of Dreamers, for instance, an ultra-colorful place perfect if you like finding instagrammable spots.
In Italy, you’ll find nature everywhere your eyes go, and I’ve been thinking of writing this complete guide to the most magical gardens near Rome ever since I’ve felt the need to really disconnect from the city at times.
From the ultra-secret Giardino di Ninfa to the park of the Monsters in Viterbo and what seems like a straight-up replica of Barcelona’s Park Guell, there’s lots to do around Rome…
And these places all prove it!
Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Giardino di Ninfa, Cisterna di Latina
Cisterna di Latina is located in the Latina district, and it is there that you’ll find one of the most magical gardens outside of Rome – few parks and gardens include castle and church ruins, for starters.
You’ll need to take the train and a bus to reach the overly-enchanting Giardino di Ninfa, and from streams to saturated greenery and wonderful ruins, it is every nature lover’s dream.
It’s interesting to note that the name ‘Ninfa’ comes from the word ‘nymph’, ancient mythology creatures that denote beauty and lightness.
Giardino di Ninfa was already inhabited during Roman times, and developed during the 16th century until it fell into ruins, giving us ethereal beauty for days.
From wisteria, water lilies and roses to ruins of medieval buildings, butterflies, streams and fountains, the Giardino di Ninfa simply makes for one of the most romantic places to visit outside of Rome.
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Best Magical Gardens near Rome: Parco dei Mostri, Viterbo
Another one of the most unusual places to visit around Rome, the Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters) in Viterbo is an architectural wonder to say the least.
The various fantastical and mythological creatures exhibited in this park are definitely the highlight of the park, although the natural landscapes surrounding Viterbo are also very much worth a moment.
Viterbo is easy to access from Rome by train or bus, and while it’s not free to enter, it’s still worth it if you’re an art lover.
A day trip from Rome to Viterbo is a good way to spend a Saturday with friends or with your other half, if you’ve already visited plenty of free Roman museums and want to try something a bit more unusual!
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Parco Archeologico, Ostia
The Parco Archeologico di Ostia (Archaeological Park) is located just an hour away from Rome with the Lido train, which also brings you to Ostia Lido beach.
Ostia Lido beach is one of the best beaches in Rome, namely because it is close to access, incredibly cheap to travel to, and filled with good places to eat.
However, the Archaeological Park is something else to do if you love spectacular views and buildings in ruins.
Actually, Ostia’s Archaeological Park strongly reminds me of Pompeii’s ruins – but I also have to admit I absurdly love Roman ruins.
Ostia was historically the harbor city of Rome, and from the well-preserved mosaics to sculptures, columns and floors, you’ll have plenty to relish while visiting!
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Giardino dei Tarocchi
The Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarot Garden) was designed by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle in Capalbio, a beautiful Tuscan town, and is probably one of the most magical gardens you’ll ever be given to see.
Inspired by the 22 major arcana of the tarots cards, the Giardino dei Tarocchi may remind you of Antoni Gaudí’s architecture, which can notably be found in various buildings in Barcelona.
Other inspirations were Ferdinand Cheval and Simon Rodia, and the Tarot Garden proved to be a lifelong project for Niki de Saint Phalle.
Entry is not free, but if you’re looking for utterly enchanting and magical gardens around Rome, it’s going to be difficult to top that one.
22 marvelous sculptures are to be enjoyed at the Giardino dei Tarocchi from spring to autumn, and makes for a perfect destination to start visiting Tuscany!
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Villa d’Este Gardens, Tivoli
Tivoli is one of the prettiest villages around Rome, one I used to live quite close to at some point in my life – and the three main villas there are of such beauty that even words can’t describe them.
My favorite is Villa d’Este, a grand building with which offers tasteful mosaics, paintings and frescoes to brighten up any grey day.
It’s interesting to note that the Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one I have visited several times because the feeling you get while losing yourself in the gardens is unlike any other.
You will get an incredible view on the Tivoli town from one end of the gardens, grottoes, fountains, and more sculptures than you’ve probably seen in your life.
Since Tivoli is really cheap to access (less than 10 euros round-trip), it might be one of the first small towns you visit when traveling around Rome.
The magical features of the garden make Villa d’Este an unforgettable experience, very much worth every penny – and for lunch, my go-to is always La Fraschetta da Neno for immense panini.
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Villa Gregoriana, Tivoli
Another one of the most magical gardens in Tivoli is Villa Gregoriana, which offers very different views than the sophisticated Villa d’Este.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites offers waterfalls, rocky paths and unrivaled nature – it’s hard to believe you’re only an hour away from Rome!
Villa Gregoriana dates back from ancient Roman times, and its historical ruins can also be spotted from above, when walking from Tivoli train station to the town center.
Incredible from all angles, it’s yet another one of those lush, green spots in which you can lose yourself for hours – even if it’s much smaller than Villa d’Este.
Different vibe, and also another one of the cutest places to visit in Tivoli if you love nature, art, and history!
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Villa Farnese Gardens, Caprarola
In Caprarola, Villa Farnese is a highlight of the city, and its gardens are as gorgeous as the villa is loaded with history.
Owned by the Farnese family, the villa has been beautifully-preserved over the years, providing insight into the gorgeous Italian Renaissance era.
I’ve always been very interested in finding beautiful villas in Rome, and I have found many – however, when visiting Italy, you’ll find that even the smallest villages are worth a glance.
The Villa Farnese Gardens are yet another one of the most magical gardens near Rome, intricate, detailed, with gorgeous views and even labyrinth-like paths!
If you’ve been to the Villa d’Este in Tivoli and have discovered that you love losing yourself in Italian gardens, chances are you’ll very much enjoy a visit to Villa Farnese.
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Appian Way Regional Park
The Appian Way (Appia Antica) is one of the oldest roads in Rome, and lined with monuments, catacombs and gorgeous ruins.
Who needs to visit Pompeii when this enchanting place already blends ruins of ancient Roman villas, tombs and temples? – just kidding, a trip to Pompeii is one of the best ideas you’ll ever have in life.
If you’re looking for magical gardens near Rome that aren’t actually too much of a hassle to access, the Appian Way Regional Park is a top pick.
Beyond a simple garden, it’s kilometers and kilometers of ethereal cobblestone pathways and fresh nature that you’ll be able to enjoy there.
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Most Magical Gardens near Rome: Villa Torlonia, Rome
To conclude this post, I thought of sharing one of my favorite places in Rome; Villa Torlonia, really close to the posh Roman neighborhood of Trieste and Via Nomentana.
Villa Torlonia is partly famous for being Mussolini’s official residence, and from the fragrant flower beds to fountains and the gorgeous Temple of Saturn, it is definitely one of the cutest places to visit in Rome.
We’re right in the heart of the city here, with Piazza Bologna an enjoyable walk away (and Meeting Place, one of the best spots to get breakfast in Rome).
Villa Torlonia hosts two of the prettiest fairytale houses in Rome, the Casina delle Civette, which looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, and the Museum, also called Serra Moresca, which boasts stunning Arab decor on the outside.
Elegant, dreamy, Villa Torlonia indeed is one of the prettiest places to visit around town, and I would definitely recommend walking around the entire park to discover all its hidden gems.
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9 Most Magical Gardens Near Rome & Enchanting Secret Parks
Until next time!
There you have them, all the most secret, gorgeous and magical gardens near Rome!
Some of them will require a bit more thought to organize travel from and to the center of the city, but if you’re looking for hidden gems around Rome, you can hardly do better than these places.
All make for wonderful photo spots, and some, like Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli, are some of the most beautiful villas in Italy as well – you really can’t miss out on a visit there!
Until next time!
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The Working Line
Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.