Scipioni Park

The Scipioni Park is one of the lesser-known parks in Rome, but it offers a unique combination of natural beauty and archaeological remains that definitely deserve a visit. Located between the Via Appia, the Aurelian Walls, and the Via Latina, the park covers an area of about 16,000 square meters and is situated in an area that has been inhabited and used continuously since Roman times. The park’s name comes from its proximity to the Tomb of the Scipios, one of the most important funerary monuments of ancient Rome. This tomb, used by the Scipio family from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, is famous for housing the remains of important family members such as Scipio Africanus, the victor over Hannibal in the Second Punic War, and Scipio Aemilianus, who destroyed Carthage. The tomb, discovered in 1614, was later rediscovered in 1780 and restored in 1926, and is now a visitable archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman history.In addition to the Tomb of the Scipios, the park also houses the Columbarium of Pomponio Hylas, another important Roman funerary structure. This columbarium, discovered in 1831, is known for its well-preserved decorations, including frescoes, stuccoes, and rock paintings. Built in the first half of the 1st century AD, the columbarium was intended to contain the funerary urns of the Pomponio family members, and its decorations reflect the Roman funerary art of the time. The park’s vegetation is mainly composed of pines, cypresses, and oaks, creating a shaded and cool environment, ideal for escaping the summer heat of Rome. The green areas are well-maintained and offer numerous panoramic viewpoints from which you can admire the ancient ruins and archaeological structures scattered throughout the park.