Park of San Gregorio al Celio

The Park of San Gregorio al Celio is a place of great historical and archaeological interest, located in the heart of Rome, between the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. This park offers visitors an oasis of greenery and tranquility, but also a rich testimony of the historical stratifications that characterize the eternal city. The park takes its name from the nearby Church of San Gregorio Magno al Celio, founded in the 6th century by Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great. The church was built on the site of Gregory’s paternal home, transformed into a Benedictine monastery. In the following centuries, the building underwent numerous interventions and expansions, particularly in the 17th century, when it was rebuilt with a Baroque facade designed by Giovanni Battista Soria and financed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. The facade and the atrium, which houses tombs and monuments, represent a significant example of Roman Baroque architecture. The Park of San Gregorio al Celio is not just a green area, but a real open-air museum. It houses important archaeological finds, including the remains of the Temple of Claudius, an imposing building from the 1st century AD dedicated to the deified Emperor Claudius. The temple, originally composed of a vast podium and numerous columns, was partially destroyed over the centuries, but the still visible ruins testify to the grandeur of the original project. Walking through the park, you can admire the remains of the ancient Roman walls and numerous sculptures and architectural fragments. These artifacts, scattered among the trees and paths, offer a glimpse of ancient Rome and its evolution over the millennia. The green area we see today is the result of transformations dating back to the 16th century, when the Cornovaglia family purchased the area and turned it into a vineyard. During the Napoleonic occupation, the park underwent further changes, with the earth from the excavations of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum being used to level the ground. In the 19th century, Pope Gregory XVI decided to transform the area into a public garden, then known as the Botanical Garden. This decision reflected a growing sensitivity towards the conservation of urban green spaces and the enhancement of archaeological heritage. The park thus became a place of leisure for the Romans, but also a point of reference for scholars and archaeology enthusiasts. The Park of San Gregorio al Celio is easily accessible thanks to its central location and proximity to important tourist sites such as the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. This strategic location makes it an ideal stop for those who want to explore ancient Rome and enjoy some tranquility in the midst of nature.