Rome’s municipal rose garden is on Via de Valle Murcia on the Aventine hill and usually opens in the first days of May. Two separate sections overlooking the Palatine hill and Circo Massimo may be visited: the upper garden with its collection of classic “old roses”, and the lower garden featuring this year’s competition entries and a collection of winning roses from previous years.

The gardens are home to over 1,000 varieties including a green-blossomed rose from China. The Roseto Comunale is a short walk from the Circo Massimo stop on the metro B line. Daily 10.00-19.00 May-June.