Caffarella Park

The Caffarella Park, located between the Via Appia Antica and the Via Latina, is one of the largest and most fascinating green areas in Rome. Covering an area of 132 hectares, the park represents a precious green lung in the heart of the city and an important testimony to the natural and archaeological history of the region. The Caffarella valley takes its name from the Caffarelli family, who in the 16th century unified several estates to create a single large property, which extended to Ardea along the Appian and Ardeatine roads. The valley is crossed by the Almone River, once considered sacred by the Romans, which with its springs and aquifers makes the area rich in water and vegetation. The park still retains the natural appearance that Rome would have had in the absence of urbanization, offering a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna. One of the most fascinating places in the park is the Nymphaeum of Egeria, an artificial cave dating back to Roman times, dedicated to the nymph Egeria, consort of King Numa Pompilius. According to legend, the nymph Egeria advised the king on laws and religious rites. The nymphaeum, decorated with mosaics and sculptures, is a place of great suggestion that recalls the religious and cultural importance of the Caffarella in antiquity. The park also houses the Constantinian Columbarium, a Roman funerary structure from the 3rd century AD, used for the burial of the deceased’s ashes. This collective tomb, decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, offers a glimpse into the life and funeral customs of Roman times. Another point of interest is the Church of Sant’Urbano alla Caffarella, a 9th-century building built on an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Ceres and Faustina. The church, with its simple facade and frescoed interiors, represents a rare example of religious continuity between paganism and Christianity. The Casale della Vaccareccia, dating back to the 16th century, is one of the many farmhouses in the park. This building, used in the past for livestock breeding, incorporates one of the medieval watchtowers that dotted the Roman countryside. Today, the farmhouse is a center for environmental education and hosts educational activities for schools and families. Over the centuries, the Caffarella valley has undergone numerous transformations. In the 19th century, the estate passed to the Pallavicini family and in 1816 was purchased by the Torlonia family, one of the most influential families in Rome. In 1996, with the adoption of the utilization and expropriation plan, the area was designated as a public park, thanks to the efforts of citizen associations and the Committee for the Caffarella Park. The creation of the park has helped protect the area from degradation and real estate speculation, giving Romans a green space of great historical and natural value. Today, the park is one of the favorite destinations for those seeking an oasis of tranquility in the urban chaos, offering numerous paths for walking, jogging, and cycling. The park is also a place of great importance for archaeological research. Excavations have unearthed numerous artifacts, including tombs, remains of Roman villas, and ancient aqueducts. These findings provide valuable information about the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Romans. A curious anecdote concerns the discovery of an ancient water mill in the park, used until the 19th century. This mill, located along the course of the Almone, is an example of Roman hydraulic engineering and their ability to harness natural resources for practical purposes.