Horti Sallustiani, Rome's largest ancient park, gets new visitor route
In September 2026, the Horti Sallustiani, the largest monumental park from ancient Rome, will unveil a new visitor pathway. This historic site, situated between Via Salaria, Via Veneto, Via XX Settembre, and the Aurelian Walls, was initially owned by Julius Caesar and later expanded by Gaius Sallustius Crispus in 44 BC. It transitioned to imperial ownership under Emperor Tiberius, serving as a retreat for Vespasian, Nerva, Hadrian, and Aurelian. The park experienced destruction during Alaric's invasion in 410 AD and fell into neglect during the Middle Ages, only to be revitalized with Renaissance villas. Beneath Piazza Sallustio lie the remnants of the Aula Adrianea, a circular hall, with a recovery project approved in 1998 leading to a new exhibition by Cristina Galati this September.
Key facts
- Horti Sallustiani were the largest monumental park in ancient Rome.
- Originally owned by Julius Caesar, then by Gaius Sallustius Crispus from 44 BC.
- Emperors Vespasian, Nerva, Hadrian, and Aurelian were associated with the site.
- Severely damaged during Alaric's Gothic invasion in 410 AD.
- Aula Adrianea is a circular hall with a shell dome, similar to Serapeum at Hadrian's Villa.
- Famous sculptures from the site include the Dying Gaul and the Ludovisi Throne.
- In 1998, a recovery project for the Aula Adrianea was approved.
- New visitor route and exhibition with Cristina Galati open in September 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Cristina Galati
- Gaius Sallustius Crispus
- Julius Caesar
- Tiberius
- Vespasian
- Nerva
- Hadrian
- Aurelian
- Alaric
Institutions
- Soprintendenza
- Musei Capitolini
- Palazzo Altemps
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Via Salaria
- Via Veneto
- Via XX Settembre
- Mura Aureliane
- Piazza Sallustio
- Tivoli
- Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti