Giardino degli Aranci: An Orange Garden Rome Complete Guide

The Giardino degli Aranci is a place at which you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, enjoy some epic views or perhaps some time with a special someone.

It is one of our favorite spots to hit off when visiting the city, especially in good weather.

Let’s explore its delights together.

What to Expect from the Orange Garden Rome

Aside from being a great place to seek a break from the noises of Rome center, the Giardino Degli Aranci is known as a fantastic view point over Rome.

Not only that, but you can actually get perfect views of both Rome and the Vatican City at the same time from up here. Expect to see families, workers, and young couples taking a stroll here in the evenings.

And, in the mornings, some tour groups head up early to take in the breathtaking sunrise views over the city.

Best Way to See Giardino Degli Aranci – Tours We Recommend

A stroll around the Orange Tree Garden is usually enough for most, but if you are curious to know more you can incorporate them into a tour.

This means you will have a local guide explaining the ins and outs, as well as lesser known facts about the gardens.

Here are a few tours we recommend.

Segway Tour

Hit off the main sights of Rome including the Orange Tree Garden by segway! This tour includes the opportunity to whizz through the city and cover off major attractions. Tickets are €59 and include insurance for the use of the Segway as well.

Golf Cart Tour with Stop at Orange Tree Garden

Treat yourself with a luxury tour on a golf cart (see price here) – ideal when the heat of the city gets too much. Apart from the park, you can expect to see all the other major sights such as the Colosseum and the Wedding Cake! This is recommended for those with small kids who don’t want to do much walking.

Sunset Orange Garden Tour by EBike

This tour not only takes you around the main sights of Rome but also allows you to arrive at the Orange Tree Garden just in time for sunset and some great photo opportunities! Get the tickets here.

The Short Explanation of the Name

The official name of the park in Italian is the Parco Savello. It comes from the Savelli family who originally owned the castle in the late 13th Century.

As the property changed hands it became home to monks who created a vegetable garden, and at some point the first orange tree was planted here, giving the park its second name – the Giardino degli Aranci or the Orange Garden Rome.

5 Things You Can See at Giardino Degli Aranci

A gorgeous park that has more things to see than you would think, here are some of the top attractions at the Orange Garden Rome.

1. The Terrace – Views Over the City of Rome and the Vatican

They are second to none. You can see St Peter’s Basilica as well as the bustling neighborhood of Trastevere, and of course the River Tiber from here. The flat area where you can see the best views is known as the Terrazza degli Aranci.

2. Orange Garden Rome Sunset

Bring your camera up at sunset for some spectacular light. On a clear day in winter or summer the effect of the sun setting up here is simply stupendous. Expect to jostle for a place as others are in on this tip!

3. The Orange Garden Roman Keyhole – Knights of Malta Keyhole (Aventine Keyhole)

This used to be a best kept secret but increasingly this keyhole in Rome is getting more popular.

Look out for the keyhole as you walk along the Via de Santa Sabina. Taking a glimpse through it will display St Peter’s Basilica in all its glory as it perfectly lines up with the hole.

4. The Orange Trees

It’s no surprise that the Orange Tree Garden is full of oranges. But be careful! Don’t eat them! The main type found here is extremely bitter and really only suitable for things like jams and marmalade!

5. The Fountain of the Mask and Other Artwork

Dotted around the garden of the oranges Rome and by the entrance are interesting pieces. From the fountain that looks suspiciously like the Mouth of Truth at the entrance, to carvings in tree stumps by Andrea Gandini, there are plenty of charms to see as you stroll around.

The Orange Tree Garden Aventine Hill Rome Italy is the perfect place at which to spend a few hours!

The History of Giardino degli Aranci

The Garden of Oranges as this park is sometimes referred to can be found on top of the Aventine Hill and covers almost 8000 meters squared of land.

It was designed in 1932 and is one of the best places in Rome at which to enjoy sunset views over the city. Despite that, it is not often on many tourist’s radar, so you may enjoy some peace and quiet when up there.

It is situated on the site of a former fortress and lends its name to the orange grove Rome loves, found at the site, which legend says were brought from Spain. The ruins of the castle are still visible as you walk around the garden.

5 Attractions Nearby Giardino Degli Aranci

Since you are over this end of town, why not take some time to check out the other attractions in and around the Aventine Hill.

Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Saint Sabina Church – A beautiful and underrated church near the park, this is a popular venue for local weddings. If you can get inside you will be rewarded with views of stunning white marble.
2. Roseto di Roma Capitale – A beautiful rose garden located near to the Orange Tree Garden. Here you can find hundreds of gorgeous rose plants during the blooming season.
3. Rome’s Pyramid – Most people know that there are a few obelisks in Rome. But did you know there is also a slightly random but interesting pyramid? The burial place of Caius Cestius can be seen when you are near the Giardino Degli Aranci.
4. Rome Protestant Cemetery – A peaceful place with nice trees, the Protestant Cemetery in Rome is the final resting place of the poet Keats who died in the city at the tender age of 25.
5. The Baths of Caracalla – Amazing ruins of Rome's public baths, built in and around AD 200, a must see when in Rome.

Do You Need Tickets for visiting Giardino degli Aranci?

The good news for budget strapped travelers is that you do not need any tickets or to pay any fee to enter the Orange Tree Garden! Not everything in Rome needs to be paid for, so you can add this to your list of free things to do in Rome.

Orange Garden Rome Hours

The opening hours of the Giardino degli Aranci change depending on the season. From April to August it is open from 7 am to 9 pm, whereas in the winter between October and February, you can expect it to be closed at 6 pm already.

Location & How to Get to Giardino Degli Aranci

Where is the Orange Garden Rome then? Well it is located on the Aventine Hill at Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 00153.

On a lot of maps it is marked as Parco Savello. You can get there by public transport, or by walking, as it is pretty central.

Metro Line B has a stop called Circo Massimo which will spit you out at the bottom of the hill – from there it is a short climb up.

3 Hotels Nearby You Can Book Today

Pick a hotel or other accommodation near the Orange Garden Rome so you can be first in line for that fabulous sunset.

Orange Garden B+B

One of the most accessible and convenient accommodations, the Orange B+B offers comfortable rooms with WiFi in the Prati District. Its excellent location and small size mean it books up quickly. Rooms start in the spring months with breakfast included.

Hotel Aventino

With doubles in the peak season often reaching high rates, this hotel is a sought-after gem you’ll want to book quickly. Situated in a stunning old house, the decor transports you back to the height of 18th Century Rome. Make sure to enjoy a drink at the end of the day in the picturesque courtyard.

The Sanctuary Urban Retreat

New, clean, and crisp doubles start here, where you'll wake up in a prime location of Rome. Ideal for those seeking a modern vibe, while still immersing themselves in the rich history of old school Rome from the surrounding attractions.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the Orange Tree Garden Rome.

Conclusion

Pair your trip to the Giardino degli Aranci with some of Rome’s other great attractions. As there is so much to see, you may wish to plan a bunch of attractions together and use one of Rome’s great city passes (see prices here) to help you manage your budget.