Find A Villa In Rome And Discover This Stunning Garden

As Rome is the capital of the region and there are also many other fascinating attractions in the surrounding area, a vacation rental in Latium or a vacation rental in Rome means that you'll never be short of incredible things to see and do. One such attraction that has been named as one of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in the entire world is the Garden of Ninfa, or Giardino di Ninfa, and it is a truly magical and stunning place. If you love outdoor spaces, garden design, and pretty settings that are far from your daily life then this is a must-see.

Named by the famous Roman historian Pliny after a temple dedicated to the Naiad Nymphs (who were goddesses of spring water) and which is still located in the garden today, Ninfa was actually once a small town of just a few peasant families who farmed the lush surrounding landscape. Built along what would become the via Pedemontana-Volsca road, which linked Rome to the lower Latium region and was the only road used during the Middle Ages by commercial traffic passing from Rome to this part of Latium, the town, therefore, began to grow as it became a profitable site for toll/customs activity. Ninfa became an autonomous city that was protected by the surrounding mountains. Eventually, the land became part of the pope's estates with Pope Alexander III even officially crowned in Ninfa's Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. By the 13th century, Ninfa was part of the holdings of the Caetani family and Onorato Caetani, in particular, who was the nephew of Pope Boniface VIII. Under the Caetani, the city was enriched by the construction of the beautiful castle and tower of which ruins remain to this day in the gardens. During the 14th century, however, there were Papal power struggles, the town was razed, malaria devastated inhabitants, and the surrounding Pontine Marshes spread and reclaimed land. Ultimately, this all lead to the destruction of this stunning city.

The Caetani family took possession of what remained on the site but it lay in unused ruins for centuries. In the time after the destruction of the city, there were various plans to turn it into a beautiful garden but it wasn't until the 19th century that Ada Bootle Wilbraham, who was married to a descendent of the family, Onoraro Caetani, and her sons decided to build an Anglo-Saxon style garden that any progress was made. Under their care the swamps were drained, cypress trees, oaks, and beeches were planted, and some of the ruins (including the castle) were restored. Subsequent generations of the Caetani family took to planting the gardens until the last heir died in 1977, with a foundation now taking care of the grounds. Declared a Natural Monument by the Lazio Region, the garden is only open on certain days of the year in order to protect it. It is, however, well worth setting aside time to come and see this incredible gem if you have found a villa in Latium and are on vacation in the area on these dates.

The Garden of Ninfa is truly magnificent and one in a million, boasting some 1,300 botanical species over eight acres of landscape. Among these, you can see deciduous magnolia, birch, water iris, Japanese maples, ornamental cherry blossoms, apple trees, bamboo groves, and tulip trees. There is also a beautiful river lined by flowering trees and roses that winds through the grounds, and pretty bridges framed by trees and blooms cross it at various points. In addition, there are tropical plants such as avocado trees and banana trees. Plus, you can also take in the gorgeous ruins of a once prosperous city and, if you're lucky, catch glimpses of the wildlife that make their home in this heaven on earth, including 152 species of birds (such as the Peregrine Falcon, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, and Grey Heron), badgers, trout, and more.

Located just an hour south of Rome by car, this gem can be visited on the first Saturdays and Sundays of the month from the end of April through to November, with guided tours departing every ten minutes and lasting around one hour. It is possible to visit the garden only by joining one of these guided tours and you will be asked to leave the grounds once your tour is over. Adult tickets cost €15 with children under 12 allowed to enter for free. Those wishing to visit, should be sure to book their tickets well in advance of their visit as the Garden of Ninfa may a lesser-known gem but it is highly in demand with discerning travellers who have found a villa in Latium. Be sure to book your place today if you are planning a vacation in Italy!

Giardino di Ninfa,
Doganella di Ninfa,
Via Provinciale Ninfina 68,
04012 Cisterna di Latina (LT).