POV: Saturday morning, blazing sun, but the thought of being cooped up in Villa Borghese with half the population of Rome fills you with dread. You can already picture the hunt for parking, the crowds on the lawns, and that constant background noise of the city that never really leaves you.
But there’s an alternative just half an hour from the GRA that almost none of your friends know about (yet), where the silence is broken only by the wind rustling through the roses and the scent of an al fresco lunch.
Welcome to the Landriana Gardens. We are in Ardea, in the Tor San Lorenzo area, in a ten-hectare Eden that seems to have been teleported here from the English countryside.
After celebrating the historic 30th edition of the Market Fair at the end of March, this place is now preparing to become the ultimate destination for those seeking a relaxing experience during the upcoming spring long weekends.
What is Landriana and why isn’t it “just another garden”?
Let’s start with the fact that this park was designed by Russell Page, the same landscape architect who worked for William S. Paley in New York and for Palazzo Colonna in Rome.
In 1956, Marquise Lavinia Taverna purchased an estate on the Lazio coast and transformed it into what is now the Giardini della Landriana. Since then, generation after generation, the garden has grown to become one of the most important in Italy—recognized by the Grandi Giardini Italiani network and affiliated with the FAI.
From the Valley of Roses to the White Avenue: a journey through botanical icons
The path through the garden is divided into 30 themed rooms in a crescendo of discoveries, ideal for those who love to walk at a leisurely pace:
- The White Avenue: a minimalist explosion of white roses and hydrangeas, perfect for those seeking a “Pinterest-style” aesthetic in real life.
- The Valley of Roses: at this time of year, it offers a record-breaking bloom. Hundreds of heirloom varieties perfume the air, making the walk a unique multisensory experience in Lazio.
- The Orange Garden: a geometric space where citrus trees interact with the architecture, ideal for escaping the “quiet chaos” of the city.
Lunches in the Garden: a gourmet experience amidst the colors of spring
For the holidays on April 25, May 1, and June 2, the Giardini della Landriana are launching a concept that is already the dream of every Roman seeking peace: “Lunches in the Garden. “
This isn’t your typical impromptu picnic, but a moment of conviviality immersed in botanical design. You can choose from special menus designed to highlight seasonal flavors, enjoying the day in a setting that no downtown restaurant can offer.
⚠️ Please Note: Beauty attracts crowds, so reservations are required to guarantee your spot in this paradise.
A Day Trip to Ardea: Tips for a Stress-Free Day
Getting to Landriana is easy, but you’ll need the right “insider” tips:
- Navigator On: Set your destination to Via Campo di Carne 51, Tor San Lorenzo, Ardea (RM). From southern Rome, it takes about 35–40 minutes—just the time it takes to listen to a podcast.
- The Pontina Factor: we know that Via Pontina can be unpredictable. Check Google Maps before you leave: the reward upon arrival is worth every minute spent in traffic.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: If your idea of relaxation includes your dog, he’s welcome here (on a leash). It’s the perfect plan so no one has to stay home.
In an age when true luxury is silence, the Giardini della Landriana offer a visually stunning retreat. Whether you want to celebrate April 25th or May 1st, this is the place where the frenetic pace of Rome comes to a halt, making way for the flavors of the earth and pure botanical wonder.
