Villa Celimontana is a public park extending over the summit of the Celian hill, from which its name originates. It is one of the most atmospheric and charming corners of Rome.
The Palatine hill rises across from the Celian hill and is home to some ancient ruins. Next to the Palatine hill stands the majestic and magnificent Colosseum.
The current entrance is from Piazza della Navicella, besides the Church of Santa Maria in Domnica. This church is one of the oldest in Rome and is often chosen by locals and foreigners for wedding ceremonies.
Villa Celimontana was landscaped for the Mattei family in the 16th century and was enhanced during the 19th century by the French architect Pierre Charles l’Enfant.
It was later bought by the Bavarian baron Richard von Hoffman, who came to live here during World War I.
It has been a public park since the 1920s and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The park is home to the Palazzetto Mattei, which currently houses the offices of the Italian Geographic Society.
Archaeological digs have uncovered many finds over the years, confirming that the area was certainly inhabited during the Roman period. Several finds were employed as ornaments when the park was enhanced and restyled.
The most conspicuous, and not only for its height, is the Egyptian obelisk of Ramsete II.
The park has been hosting amid its green and cool spaces a very popular jazz festival for many years and has become one of the symbols of the Estate Romana, Rome’s yearly summer fest.