Where to relax and enjoy:
Parks and Beaches
Aventine Hill
Luxuriate in these two formal gardens filled with orange trees and roses. The Clivio Savello from Piazza di Bocca della Verita and the Clivio di Pubblico from the Cicus Maximus converge on the lush gardens and their churches. Up Via di Santa Sabina, the Piazza dei Cavallieri di Malta hides Rome's famous keyhole--look through it to see a perfectly framed view of the dome of St. Peter's.
Camp Verano and the Jewish Cemetery
Campo Verano is Rome's largest public cemetery, with a maze of underground tombs lined with flowers. The entrance is to the right of the Basilica San Lorenzo Fuori Le Mura, down Via Tiburtina, in the San Lorenzo district. The Jewish Cemetery is located next door.
Campidoglio
Belvedere di Monte Tarpeio
This is a perfectly peaceful place for recovering from the depths of the Forum. With the Palazzo dei Senatori behind you, the Via delle Tre Pile climbs left from the front balustrade to the park at Piazzale Caffarelli. The southern side of the hill is planted with trees and traversed with paths.
Hadrian's Villa
Villa Andriana
Built as a private summer retreat between A.D. 118 and A.D. 134, Hadrian's Villa is the largest and richest Imperial villa in the Roman Empire. Many of the buildings were inspired by famous structures in Greece and Egypt and were spaciously laid out between numerous gardens. Of all the grand buildings left that were designed by Hadrian this is probably the most compelling. Today it is one of the most evocative classical sites remaining in Italy, protected by a magnificent park with fragments of columns lying among olive trees and cypresses. A fascinating spot is the Vale of Tempe, the legendary haunt of the goddess Diana, with a stream representing the river Peneios. Below ground, the emperor built a rather fanciful recreation of the underworld, Hades, reached through many underground tunnels, which linked the various parts of the villa.
Largo Cristina di Svezia 24
These lavish gardens contain more than 7,000 plant species from all over the world. Sequoias, palm trees, and gorgeous collections of orchids and bromeliads are housed here. Indigenous and exotic species are grouped together to illustrate their botanical families and their adaptation to different climates and ecosystems. Especially captivating is the Garden of Rose Evolution, containing the two founding species from which all other roses have sprung.
Palatine Hill
Via di San Gregorio
It was here that the primitive city was founded. The park, with an exquisite profusion of wild flowers and trees, surrounds the ruins. It is considered one of the most romantic and magical places in the center of the city, beautifully removed from the traffic-laden streets at the foot of the hill.
Villa Ada
Via Panama
The garden wall of Villa Ada extends for a long way along Via Salaria. This was once the private residence of Vittorio Emanuele III and is now the Egyptian embassy. Part of the grounds are open as a public park. It is a lovely place for reveries and meditations.
Villa Borghese
54`Piazzale Flaminio
Rome's most famous public park is rich with neoclassical statuary, fine oaks, giant ilexes, umbrella pines, a grass-covered open amphitheater, formal gardens, and an aviary. Walking through the park, you will come upon statues of Byron, Goethe, Victor Hugo, and the grim equestrian King Umberto I. Situated around the park are lovely temples made to look like ruins. There is also an artificial lake with an Ionic Temple to Aesculapius, the god of health. Children love the lake with its rowboats and ducks. Bamboo and banana trees grow around the shore. Surrounded by flower beds south of the lake is the art nouveau Fontana dei Fauni, one of the garden's loveliest sculptures. Also, don't miss the Villa Giulia, with its world-famous collection of Etruscan and other pre-Roman remains.
Villa Doria Pamphilj
Via di San Pancrazio
Rome's largest public park, the Villa Doria Pamphilj was laid out in the mid-17th century for Prince Camillo Pamphilj, whose uncle, Pope Innocent X, paid for this luxurious summer residence. It was filled with fountains and summerhouses, some of which still remain. Today the park attracts joggers, with its superb running tracks and paths, as well as dog lovers.
Theme Parks and Zoos
Acqua piper
Via Maremmana Inferiore
+39 0774-326-538
This is an aquatic park with pools with waves, water slides, pools for toddlers, pony rides, electronic games, a restaurant, and a picnic area. It is located about 15 minutes from city center at Guidonia. There is a shuttle bus from the city center.
Bomarzo Monster Park
+39 0761-92-4029
Built in the 16th century by an eccentric nobleman, Monster Park consists of giant stone monsters scattered throughout a pleasant wooded park. Kids can climb all over the statues and explore the strange house. Bomarzo Monster Park is located 60 miles north of Rome near Viterbo, off Highway A1; or travel by train to Attigliano and then take a local bus.
Hydromania
Vicolo Casal Lumbroso
+39 06-66-92844
This large water park with an Olympic-sized pool, slides, water massage, kamikaze, and tennis courts. To get here, take Exit 33 off the Grande Raccordo Anulare.
Luneur
Via delle tre Fontane
+39 06-59-25933
This is the city's year-round amusement park. It has a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, roller coaster, haunted house, other carnival attractions, and a miniature golf course.
Zoological Gardens
Viale del Giardino Zoological
+39 06-321-6564
Established in 1911 and enlarged in 1935, the zoo is home to antelope, wolves, a giraffe, tigers, elephants, seals, and stray cats. There's even an aquarium with penguins.
Spectator and Recreation Sports
AS Pamphili
Piazza S. Pancrazio 7
+39 06-580-9341
AS Pamphili has three clay courts at the western edge of the park.
Castelgandolfo Country Club
Via di Santo Spirito 13
+39 06-93-12301
This is an elite club with a 17th-century villa as a clubhouse. The course was designed by Robert Trent. There is a driving range and a pool. Non-members may play a limited number of times a year.
Circolo Canottieri e Tennis Lazio
Lungotevere Flaminio 25
+39 06-322-6801
This club has tennis, gym, canoeing, sauna, Turkish baths, massage, and a restaurant.
Circolo del Golf Roma/Acqua Santa
Via dell'Acqua Santa 3
+39 06-78-03407
This is Rome's first golf club. With a membership from a home club, non-members may play Tuesday through Friday; weekends with a member. There is also a swimming pool.
Concorso Ippico Internazionale
Piazza di Siena
+39 06-327-9939
The chic world-class Concorso Ippico Internazionale (International Horse Show) is held at Piazza di Siena in Villa Borghese in May.
Foro Italico
Viale delle Olimiadi
+39 06-36-19021
This is a sports complex with tennis courts.
Golf Club Parco de Medici
Viale Parco de Medici 20
+39 06-655-3477
This is an 18-hole course with a driving range, tennis, a swimming pool, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a bar.
Green Line
Via Veio 27
+39 06-7049-5509
After a series of physical tests to determine fitness, this gym will suggest a fitness program. This gym has aerobics, bodybuilding, step training, and cardio-fitness facilities. There is also a sauna, massage, and a solarium.
Mandala Yoga
Via di Torre Argentina 47
+39 06-686-9251, +39 06-687-9258
This gym has yoga, gymnastics, relaxation, and cultural activities.
Navona Health center
Via dei Banchi Nuovi 39
Tel.: +39 06-689-6104
This gym has reasonable prices.
Olympic Stadium
Viale dei Gladiatori,
+39 06-333-6316, +39 06-482-6688
If you are in Rome between September and May, take in a soccer match, the world's most popular sport and Italy's grande passion. Of Rome's two teams, Roma and Lazio, Roma is the one most Romans are in a frenzy about. They play their home games in the Olympic Stadium at the extensive Foro Italico sports complex on Viale dei Gladiatori, built by Mussolini on the banks of the Tiber. Tickets can be purchased at the Stadio box office before games (to be smart, get them in advance), and Lazio tickets can be purchased at Lazio Point on Via Farini 24. Tickets are also available at some bars, at ticket agencies, plus such shops as the Roma Shop on Via Paolina 8, near Piazza dell'Esquilion. Also, your hotel concierge may be able to procure tickets for you in advance.
Palazzo dello Sport
Viale dell'Umanesimo
+39 06-88-63071
Besides soccer, Romans are also ardent fans of pallacanestro (basketball). Called "basket," professional games are played at the Palazzo dello Sport in EUR, in Viale dell'Umanesimo. The complex, part of which was constructed for the 1960 Olympics, hosts sporting events. Basketball games are usually held on Sunday at 5:30pm, and tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling.
Parco dei Principi Hotel
Via M. Mercadante 15
+39-06-854421
This pool is open from June through September.
Piscina delle Rose
Viale America 20
+39 06-592-6717
This is one of the most popular public pools. It is an Olympic-sized outdoor pool that is open summers.
Roman Sport Center
Via del Galoppatoio 33
+39 06-32-01667
This club has two large swimming pools, sauna and steam, squash courts, two gyms, and aerobics classes. Non-members pay a daily fee. A second facility is in Largo Somalia.
Sporting Palace
Via Carlo Sigonio 21
+39 06-78-56391
This is a reasonably priced multi-facility gym.
Takehaya Dojo
Via Luigi Bodio 4
+39 06-3630-6432
This club has karate, tae kwon do, jiu jitsu, and yoga programs.
Tennis Club Belle Arti
Via Flaminia 158
+39 06-32-3355
This is one of the more accessible tennis clubs.
Tevere Golf
Via del Baiardo
+39 06-333-0609
Golf is very high end here. There are no public golf courses and none are convenient to the city center. Some clubs in the outlying areas will admit guests with a membership card. Otherwise, non-members can use the driving ranges, which cost considerably less. One driving range, Tevere Golf, also has a putting green and lessons. For information about golfing in Rome, call the Federazione Italiana Golf in Viale Tiziano 70, north of Piazza del Popolo.
The Piscina Olimpica
Lungotevere Maresciallo Cadorna
+39 06-321-8591
This is the larger of the two Olympic-sized pools; both winter and summer pools are open to the public, except during competitions.
Villa Borghese
54 Piazzale Flaminio
Even the Romans are beginning to work up a sweat. The parks are becoming jogging heaven. A word of caution: If the air is particularly noxious, stay indoors. Otherwise, head to one of the many parks equipped with special tracks. Villa Borghese has two jogging tracks, the longer in Piazza di Siena; the myriad paths throughout the park are used for running. Villa Doria Pamphilj (Via di San Pancrazio) has superb running tracks and paths. Villa Ada (Via Panama) has jogging paths passing little ponds, flower-lined walks, a bicycle course, a riding stable, and an exercise course. Villa Glori is a small park with a running track of about 1180 meters. It is lit at night, so you can run your heart out after dark. Villa Torlonia, off Via Nomentana, has a track set amidst tropical trees and paths lined with lush flowers.
YMCA Sporting Club
Viale Libano 61
+39 06-592-3595
This club has good facilities at reasonable prices. There is an indoor pool, tennis courts, fully equipped gym, as well as aerobics, karate, and dance classes. Non-members may use all facilities for a fee, but must reserve tennis courts in advance.
