The Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is surrounded by a small park, which is called Parco di Mole Adriana. The castle was initially built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, and this is reflected by the name of the park.
Castel Sant’Angelo Gardens Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Piazza Adriana – Rome. The Castel Sant’Angelo Gardens are opened from April until September from 07.00 till 21.00 and the rest of the year from o7.00 till 19.00 hours. Admission is free.
History and description
The grounds around the Castel Sant’Angelo have been used as a park since 1911. However, it was not until the 1930’s that they were given their present design by Attilio Spaccarelli. They were created for the Esposizione Universale di Roma. The war interfered however and the exposition never took place in the end.
The gardens consist of three parts on different levels, which are connected by impressive stairs. The part with the pine trees is one of the few green areas in an otherwise nature-free neighbourhood. The lowest part is what used to be the moat of the castle. The walkway on the walls around the castle is sometimes used for exhibitions and other events.
The last restoration of the gardens took place in 1999.
The former moat contains a fairly dilapidated children’s playground.