Only the Eternal City can looks so good after a few thousand years.  The public rose garden or Roseto Comunale’s opening coincided with Rome’s birthday week.  The city celebrated 2769 years on April 21st.

Over a thousand varieties of roses are planted in two sections of the Roseto Comunale.  The garden has spectacular views of the ruins at Circo Massimo.  One section is devoted to the permanent collection of roses.  The second focuses on new varieties that compete in an annual contest.    

The garden is a short walk from the Circo Massimo metro stop (Linea B).  There is no entry fee and the garden remains open through June.  

Perched up on the Aventine Hill, the gardens offer a bird’s eye view of many iconic Roman locations.  Climb to the top level and you will be rewarded with panoramic views stretching to Piazza Venezia and the Imperial Forum.  

The rose gardens are located in an area that included a 17th century Jewish Cemetery before it was transformed into a public green area in the 1930’s.  A star is still present to remind visitors of the origin of the site.  

Even on a busy holiday weekend, there were plenty of benches and open spots to sit and enjoy the sunshine.