Centocelle Park

The Archaeological Park of Centocelle, located in the eastern outskirts of Rome, is a 120-hectare green area that extends between the neighborhoods of Centocelle, Torpignattara, and Quadraro. Inaugurated in 2006, the park is located on a plateau that has revealed numerous archaeological remains, evidence of long human occupation dating back to the 6th century BC. This site represents a fascinating fusion of ancient history, aeronautical innovation, and modern struggles for urban redevelopment. One of the most significant elements of the park are the three Roman villas discovered during excavations at the end of the 20th century: the Villa della Piscina, the Villa delle Terme, and the Villa ad Duas Lauros. The latter is particularly relevant as it was part of a vast imperial property and may have been the residence of Empress Helena, mother of Constantine. The size and importance of this villa were such that the site was called Centum Cellae, from which the current name of Centocelle derives. Over the centuries, the area has undergone various transformations. At the end of the 19th century, Forte Casilina was built as part of the city’s defensive system. In the early 20th century, the area was chosen as the site of the first Italian airport. On April 15, 1909, Wilbur Wright performed a series of demonstration flights here, marking a milestone in Italian aviation history. The site was named after aviator Francesco Baracca and became a landmark for aviation until aeronautical use ceased. Over the years, the Centocelle area became the subject of major urban planning projects, but the implementation of these plans faced numerous obstacles. The 1962 Master Plan envisaged the development of the area as part of the Eastern Directional System (SDO), but this project was never completed. Subsequently, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage imposed a historical-archaeological constraint on the entire area, and the Municipality of Rome decided to transform it into an archaeological park to address the lack of green areas in the surrounding neighborhoods. Despite opening to the public in 2006, the park has faced several difficulties, including the presence of squatters and illegal demolitions. This situation led to temporary closures of the park for safety reasons. However, thanks to the efforts of various local associations and the Municipality of Rome, part of the park has been redeveloped and made accessible again, now offering an area of approximately 33 hectares for citizens to enjoy. The Archaeological Park of Centocelle is a place of great importance for the preservation of Rome’s historical and cultural heritage. The ruins of the Roman villas and the remains of the ancient airport coexist with a lush natural environment, creating a unique and fascinating landscape. Visitors can explore the park’s paths, which traverse meadows, woods, and archaeological areas, offering an immersive experience in the ancient and recent history of the city. An interesting aspect of the Centocelle Park is the underground gallery, about a kilometer long, built during the fascist period as part of a metro railway project never completed due to the outbreak of World War II. This gallery represents an additional element of historical interest and could become, in the future, a new visitable space within the park.