Villa Ada

Villa Ada, located in the northern area of Rome along Via Salaria, is the second largest park in the city with its 160 hectares of surface. This magnificent urban park, known for its size and natural beauty, offers an oasis of tranquility and a rich historical heritage that makes it one of the most fascinating places in the capital. The history of Villa Ada is closely linked to the Savoy family, who made it their royal residence for many years. Originally owned by the noble Pallavicini family in the 18th century, the area was transformed into a magnificent landscaped garden with structures such as the Belvedere, the Cafehaus, and the Temple of Flora. In 1872, the villa was purchased by King Vittorio Emanuele II, who continued to expand and improve the property, making it one of the most prestigious residences of the royal family. After the death of Vittorio Emanuele II in 1878, the villa passed to his son Umberto I, who found it too “rural” and decided to move to the Quirinale. The villa was then sold to Count Giuseppe Telfener, who renamed it Villa Ada in honor of his wife Ada Hungerford. However, in 1904, Vittorio Emanuele III repurchased the property, making it once again the official residence of the Savoy family until the fall of the Italian monarchy in 1946. During the period of the Second World War, Villa Ada was the scene of important historical events. On July 25, 1943, Benito Mussolini was arrested inside the villa, an episode that marked a crucial turning point in Italian history. After the war, the villa passed to the Italian State and, in 1957, part of the park was opened to the public. The villa, home to the Consulate and Embassy of the Republic of Egypt, still retains numerous historical and architectural structures. The park is famous for its varied flora and fauna, which includes centuries-old trees such as domestic pines, holm oaks, laurels, olive trees, elms, and many varieties of oaks. There are also exotic species, including tropical trees and palms, which add a touch of exoticism to the Roman landscape. Among the rarest trees stands out a metasequoia, an aquatic conifer imported from Tibet in 1940. One of the most fascinating elements of Villa Ada is the Bunker Villa Ada Savoia, recently restored and opened to the public. This underground bunker, built during the Second World War, offers a unique testimony of the recent history of the villa and Italy. Guided tours of the bunker allow visitors to explore the historical passages and learn more about the events that took place there.