This is one of my favourite parks in Rome, in part because it’s so uniquely Roman. Where else but Rome would you find an enormous park filled with the vast remains of ancient aqueducts? The park has a dramatic, cinematic quality that has been recognised by numerous directors – it appears in “La Dolce Vita” and “La Grande Bellezza”, to name just a couple of films. It was also the scene of the recent assassination of Fabrizio Piscitelli (“Diabolik”), the leader of a gang of Lazio Ultras.
But don’t let this one targeted crime put you off. The Parco degli Acquedotti is perfectly safe and during the day it’s full of families playing football or having picnics. I first visited the park because I wanted to see the aqueducts, but I’ve been going back for the atmosphere and the sense of space. It’s a popular park with local families, but it’s so huge (nearly 600 acres) that it’s easy to get away from the crowds. A place for relaxation and contemplation – reflect on the fact that the aqueducts are still standing, when so many ancient monuments and palaces have disappeared without a trace.
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Gelateria Fassi" in Rome is a historical gelato shop almost all locals know. The atmosphere takes you back in time, and it's open 24/7, too!
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"Al Gallo Rosso" in Rome is loud, informal and sincere. The perfect pizzeria to take your friends for some arrosticini to enjoy the company of each other!
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"Parco della Caffarella" in Rome has been my gym, my mountain, my restaurant, my first date. I wouldn't be the same today without this piece of nature...
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"Caffè Ciamei" has the oldest coffee license in Rome and it's still one of my favorite places in town to get a cup. Try their cremina instead of sugar!
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"Via dei Cappellari" is a little side street that is completely reminiscent of the Old Rome, with its staying away from the logic of profit...
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"Porta s. Sebastiano" used to be an ancient entrance to the city of Rome. Today, you can walk along the walls and enjoy the stunning views...
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CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
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"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...
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"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...
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"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.
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"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.
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152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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