In the heart of the Eternal City, amid monuments and historic buildings, the Esquilino district surprises visitors with an unexpected element: greenery. Parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues offer open-air relaxation, beauty, and culture.
This is one of the greenest neighborhoods in Rome—a true urban lung where nature, history, and daily life blend in perfect harmony.
Start your journey at the foot of the Esquilino Hill with Colle Oppio Park, directly overlooking the Colosseum. Here, you can stroll among majestic pines and Roman ruins, go jogging at dawn with views of the Flavian Amphitheatre, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by greenery. Not far away lies Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the largest colonnaded square in Rome. Heading toward San Giovanni, make a stop at the Gardens of Viale Carlo Felice, a well-kept green path directly facing the major basilica. For those seeking more hidden corners, Piazza Dante and Piazza Fanti offer small green oases in the heart of the district, the latter enhanced by the presence of the House of Architecture—a hub where urban landscape meets contemporary creativity. But the hidden gem of the Esquilino is the Garden of Confucius, tucked away in the courtyard of Roma Tre University's Department of Education Sciences. This surprising spot features rare plants, exotic trees, and the only statue of Confucius in Italy, donated by the Confucian association. A serene corner for reflection and meditation, it symbolizes intercultural dialogue at the heart of this multicultural neighborhood. Three of the gardens in Esquilino have been adopted by local committees or resident associations, who take care of them, keep them clean, and bring them to life. The green areas of Esquilino are not just spaces to pass through—they are places to live. Whether you're a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a break from the city’s pace, Esquilino welcomes you with its gardens and boulevards, offering an authentic Roman experience shaped by beauty, nature, and outdoor living.
Inside the garden, you'll find a true esoteric gem: the Magic Door. Surrounded by Egyptian sphinxes and mysterious alchemical symbols, the Magic Door is shrouded in legends and mysteries that have fascinated scholars and curious visitors for centuries—a must-see for those who love riddles and Rome’s hidden history.
Via Merulana, with its tree-lined avenue connecting Santa Maria Maggiore to San Giovanni, also invites you to explore Rome on foot, offering a pleasant blend of nature and architecture.
This daily commitment is a clear sign that the neighborhood is not only lively but deeply cherished by its residents—a community devoted to protecting its territory.
The sense of belonging and solidarity that fills these streets is a genuine expression of the welcoming spirit that defines Esquilino. Come and get to know us!
Here, people meet, exercise, play, and breathe.