Villa Pamphili is one of the largest public parks in Rome and easily accessible via a whole host of public transportation options. There are entrances to the park in Trastevere, so I have frequently been visiting it to run. Trees, grass, and flowers make you feel like you have left the city and are running in a forest somewhere. The sounds of the city fade away as you get closer to the center of the park.
The park gets its name from the Villa Pamphili which is still maintained and beautiful. Originally built for a wealthy Roman family in the seventeenth century, most of the park’s lands are derived from the family’s “country estate” just outside of Rome. If you enjoy walking, jogging, or running, Villa Pamphili is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. Packing a picnic to eat in the park would also be an excellent way to pass an afternoon in Rome.
Students from nearby schools can often be spotted eating their pizza in the park while cyclists on off road bikes provide entertainment when they pull all sorts of risky stunts. Many afternoons, you can find a group of people playing soccer in one of the many open fields. Everyone takes their dog to play off leash. Villa Pamphili is a great free outdoor attraction to visit on your next trip to Rome, or on a regular basis if you are already living in the city!
