Free Sunset Visits to the Secret Garden of Rome's Fontanone del Gianicolo
Visitors can explore the Giardini dell'Acqua Paola in Rome at no cost from Monday to Friday, between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, until September 29, 2026. This initiative is part of the 'Eventi a Fontana 2026' program organized by Associazione Il Posto delle Fragole, under the auspices of the Comune di Roma and the artistic direction of Gabriele Manili. Located at Via Garibaldi 30, the garden showcases ancient columns, a sarcophagus, and a 17th-century nymphaeum fountain adorned with Pope Paul V's heraldry. It also features a loggia with inscriptions and a plaque detailing the Acqua Vergine conduits. The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, constructed between 1610 and 1614, underwent modifications by Carlo Fontana in the late 17th century and hosts various events, including a bookcrossing area.
Key facts
- Free visits to Giardini dell'Acqua Paola until September 29, 2026
- Visits from Monday to Friday, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Garden located behind Fontana dell'Acqua Paola on Gianicolo hill
- Access via Via Garibaldi 30, Rome
- Initiative part of 'Eventi a Fontana 2026'
- Promoted by Associazione Il Posto delle Fragole with patronage of Comune di Roma
- Artistic direction by Gabriele Manili
- Garden contains ancient columns, capitals, sarcophagus, nymphaeum fountain
- Fountain built 1610-1614 by Giovanni Fontana, Flaminio Ponzio, Ippolito Buzio
- Fountain modified by Carlo Fontana in late 17th century
- Garden originally hosted Orto Botanico from 1660 until 1883
- Garden features heraldic symbols of Pope Paul V and Innocent XII
- Includes loggia with inscriptions and plaque of Acqua Vergine conduits
- Garden hosts events: shows, concerts, writing workshops, conferences
- Bookcrossing space available
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Fontana
- Flaminio Ponzio
- Ippolito Buzio
- Carlo Fontana
- Gabriele Manili
- Goethe
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Cristoforo Cenci
Institutions
- Associazione Il Posto delle Fragole
- Comune di Roma
- Artribune
- Orto Botanico
- Villa Corsini
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Gianicolo
- Trastevere
- Tiber
- Vatican
- Borgo
- Via Garibaldi 30
- Lake Bracciano
- Mura Gianicolensi
- Foro Romano
- Tempio di Minerva
- Piazza Navona