Rome guide. The Roseto Comunale (the city's Rose garden)

Rome. The Roseto Comunale of Rome (the city's Rose garden) covers an area of about one hectare and is situated in the heart of the city, just a short distance from Circo Massimo and the Aventine hill. It is divided into two parts: "competition" and "collection", the former hosts the roses which are participating in the international competition for new varieties of roses, the "Rome prize", while the second is the "permanent exhibition" of the Roseto.

There are 1,200 varieties in the whole collections, they are divided into three large groups: botanical, ancient and modern roses. Botanical roses are the oldest, they are the primordial roses from which all the others have originated. The "ancient" roses have been formed by spontaneous crosses between "botanical" roses, while the "modern" roses have been formed by further crosses, from the middle of the nineteenth century onwards.

The site of the Roseto was once the Jewish Cemetery. A new plan of the city was drawn up in 1934 and it was decided that this area should be transformed into a public green area, with the old Jewish cemetery being transferred to a part of Campo Verano.

In 1950 the Rome Town Council asked the Jewish community if the area could be transformed into the new Roseto, the president of the Jewish community gave his consent with the condition that a single star be placed above the entrance in order to remind visitors of its sacred origin. This star is still present today. Further links between the Roseto and Rome's Jewish community is the fact that the pathways of the collection sector are in the form of a "Menorah", this is the seven-armed candlestick which is a symbol of Hebraism. This is clearly visible from the top of the central flight of steps.

The Roseto is open for several months during the year, from the middle of April to June and in October for the "reflowering" of the roses. May is the best period for viewing the roses. Guided tours, which are free of charge, are arranged during opening times, both for groups and individuals.

Where.
Rome. Roseto Comunale, Via di Valle Murcia
Transports. Bus 81-160-204- 628-715-175
Metro line B (Circo Massimo)
Information office: Tel. +39 06 5746810

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