This is one of my favourite parks in Rome, in part because it’s so uniquely Roman. Where else but Rome would you find an enormous park filled with the vast remains of ancient aqueducts? The park has a dramatic, cinematic quality that has been recognised by numerous directors – it appears in “La Dolce Vita” and “La Grande Bellezza”, to name just a couple of films. It was also the scene of the recent assassination of Fabrizio Piscitelli (“Diabolik”), the leader of a gang of Lazio Ultras.
But don’t let this one targeted crime put you off. The Parco degli Acquedotti is perfectly safe and during the day it’s full of families playing football or having picnics. I first visited the park because I wanted to see the aqueducts, but I’ve been going back for the atmosphere and the sense of space. It’s a popular park with local families, but it’s so huge (nearly 600 acres) that it’s easy to get away from the crowds. A place for relaxation and contemplation – reflect on the fact that the aqueducts are still standing, when so many ancient monuments and palaces have disappeared without a trace.
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...
by
"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...
by
"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.
by
"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.
by
"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...
by
"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!
by
Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!
by
"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.
by
"Bar Giolitti" is one of my favorite places in Testaccio, Rome, for a gelato or a coffee at the bar. I also like sitting at one of the tables outside...
by
152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 152 Insider Tips