Giardino degli Aranci
Discover the charms of Rome with an exclusive tour of the Orange Garden by Vespa, bike, scooter or tuk tuk. Breathtaking views and a memorable experience!
What you need to know about the Orange Garden
The Orange Garden, officially known as Savello Park, is one of Rome’s most picturesque scenic spots, located on the Aventine Hill. This garden, created in the 1930s by architect Raffaele De Vico, offers a spectacular view of the city, with the dome of St. Peter’s emerging in the foreground The name “Garden of Oranges” comes from the bitter orange trees planted inside, which give it a special, fragrant atmosphere, especially in spring. It is a quiet and romantic place, ideal for a walk or to enjoy a relaxing moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. One of the most famous spots in the garden is the so-called “keyhole” of the gate of the Maltese Priory Villa, not far from the entrance. Looking through this keyhole, one can see a perfect picture of the dome of St. Peter’s framed by an avenue of cypress trees. The Orange Garden is easily accessible from Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta and is a must-see for those who want to enjoy a breathtaking view and a break in the green, surrounded by Rome’s thousand-year history.
Curiosities
Medieval Origins: The area was once occupied by a medieval fortress belonging to the Savelli family. The remains of the walls of the fortification are still visible and give the garden a unique historical charm.
Modern Design: Despite its ancient origins, the garden as we see it today was designed in the 1930s by architect Raffaele De Vico, who oversaw the layout and planting of the bitter orange trees.
Unique Panoramic View: The garden’s belvedere offers one of the best views of Rome, with the Tiber flowing below, the Trastevere district, the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. The view is especially impressive at sunset.
Villa of the Priory of Malta and the Keyhole: The famous “keyhole” is located at the nearby Villa of the Priory of Malta. Looking through the keyhole of the gateway, one can see the dome of St. Peter’s perfectly framed by the gardens of the villa. The view is the result of a carefully planned combination of perspectives, and it attracts many tourists every day.
Place of Peace and Relaxation: Unlike other tourist areas in Rome, the Orange Garden is a quiet corner where Romans and visitors can stroll among the trees, read a book, or simply enjoy the calm of the park.
Legends: The orange trees are said to have originated from a seedling brought by St. Dominic of Guzmán, founder of the Dominican order, when he lived in Rome in the 13th century. Although there is no firm historical evidence for this, the legend adds an additional mystical touch to the place.
Events and Culture: The garden hosts occasional small cultural events and concerts. It is a favorite destination for photographers and artists because of its light and exceptional views.
St. Peter’s Dome Perspective: The view of St. Peter’s dome from the Orange Garden lookout is designed to appear much closer than it really is. This perspective effect makes the view truly unique and spectacular, attracting many photographers and artists.
The Name Savello Park: Although it is known as Orange Garden, its official name is Savello Park because it is located on the ancient fortification of the Savelli family, which occupied the area in the Middle Ages.
Inspiration from Arabian Gardens: The bitter orange trees, planted for aesthetics and fragrance, are reminiscent of Arabian gardens, famous for their use of citrus. This detail makes the park an enchanting place, with a special scent that is especially noticeable in spring.
Famous Film Scene: The Orange Garden has been chosen as a location for various Italian and international film productions. For example, in the film *The Great Beauty* by Paolo Sorrentino, some scenes are set right here, adding to the charm of the place as part of film history.
Orange Trees with Non-Edible Fruits: Trees in the garden produce bitter oranges, once used for ornamental or medicinal purposes. The oranges are not edible but add an exotic charm to the park, especially during flowering.
A Gathering Place for Romans: Although popular with tourists, the Orange Garden is also a gathering place for Romans, who consider it a space for moments of calm and meditation. It is common to see couples, families and friends enjoying the view and peace of the park, especially during sunset.
Incredible Sunset: One of the best times to visit the Orange Garden is at sunset, when the sky is tinged with warm colors and the light reflects off the domes and rooftops of Rome, creating a magical atmosphere.
This garden is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking a quieter, more romantic side of Rome.