Colle Oppio Park

The Oppian Hill Park is one of the most fascinating historic parks in Rome, located among the monumental remains of the ancient city and offering a breathtaking view of the Colosseum. This park, covering about 11 hectares, is located on the Oppian Hill, one of the southern slopes of the Esquiline Hill, and combines elements of archaeology, history, and nature in a unique and suggestive experience. The history of the Oppian Hill dates back to Roman times, when the area was densely populated and mainly inhabited by the patrician class. One of the most famous buildings on the hill is the Domus Aurea, the luxurious palace built by Emperor Nero after the fire of Rome in 64 AD. This palace, which extended over more than 50 hectares, included gardens, fountains, and sumptuous pavilions decorated with frescoes and mosaics of rare beauty. The Domus Aurea, with its richly decorated rooms, represented the height of imperial luxury and was mainly used for parties and banquets. After Nero’s death, the Domus Aurea was largely buried and covered by the Baths of Trajan, another extraordinary architectural complex built by Emperor Trajan at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The baths, which occupied a vast area of the hill, were a place of leisure and well-being for the Roman citizens, equipped with pools, gymnasiums, and libraries. During the Middle Ages, the area of the Oppian Hill was abandoned and mainly used as agricultural land and a garden. It was only in 1871, when Rome became the capital of Italy, that the area began to be valued as a public park. However, the park as we know it today took shape during the fascist period, between 1928 and 1936, under the direction of architect Raffaele De Vico. This restructuring project, wanted by Benito Mussolini, aimed to celebrate Rome’s imperial past by creating a park that integrated ancient ruins with new architectural elements and green spaces. The park is divided into different thematic areas, with tree-lined avenues, fountains, and sculptures that pay homage to Roman history and culture. Among the main attractions are the Nymphaeum of Egeria, an elegant fountain decorated with statues and mosaics, and the large exedrae of the Baths of Trajan, which offer a spectacular view of the city. The Viale della Domus Aurea, one of the main arteries of the park, is adorned with sculptures and fountains, including the Fountain of the Amphorae and the large nymphaeum decorated with tuff. In recent years, the park has undergone several restoration and enhancement interventions. In 2020, an important redevelopment project was completed that improved the accessibility and usability of the park, making it even more attractive for visitors. Among the main interventions were the rearrangement of avenues and green areas, the restoration of fountains, and the securing of ancient ruins.