Rome’s botanic gardens are located in Trastevere, between the Gianicolo (Janiculum) hill and the Tiber. They offer an attractive and varied environment for a stroll or a rest, although there is an entrance fee.
The Orto Botanico was once the garden of Palazzo Corsini, the imposing adjacent mansion which belonged to various notables over the years, including Queen Christina of Sweden. Since the late nineteenth century the garden has belonged to Rome University.
The garden is large and varied, with a huge array of species. Some plants are cared for in greenhouses, others thrive on the surprisingly wild upper slopes. Decayed fountains, ponds and staircases give a very Roman air of past grandeur, although there is nothing faded about the colourful trees and flowers.
The Orto Botanico is located on Via Corsini in Trastevere (off Via della Lungara). The garden is open Monday – Saturday, and there is an entrance fee.