Every weekend, from March 22 to November 9, 2025, visitors can explore the Garden of Ninfa, a fairy-tale oasis set on the ruins of the medieval city of the same name, just an hour from Rome. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll in one of Italy’s most stunning landscapes.
Located in the province of Latina, the Garden of Ninfa is what the New York Times once called “the most beautiful garden in the world.” The Garden has been designated as a Natural Monument by the Lazio Region and is a WWF oasis, which is why it can only be visited during certain months to preserve its delicate environmental balance.
In the 14th century, the city of Ninfa was destroyed. Beginning in the 16th century, members of the Caetani family began transforming the area into a garden, adding fountains, springs, and a wide variety of prized plants. However, it was only in the 19th century that Ada Bootle Wilbraham, wife of Onorato Caetani, along with her children, created a true Anglo-Saxon style garden. Thanks to major reclamation efforts and the planting of cypress trees, oaks, and beeches, the area started to take the form of a stunning park. Over time, the Caetani descendants continued to care for the garden, turning it into a botanical gem. The last heir, Lelia, further enhanced its beauty by introducing new species and establishing the Roffredo Caetani Foundation, which still protects both the Garden of Ninfa and the nearby Castle of Sermoneta.
Today, the garden spans eight hectares and is home to 1,300 plant species. Among these are nineteen varieties of deciduous magnolia, birches, water irises, and several types of Japanese maples. In addition to typical European garden flora, Ninfa also hosts tropical plants, such as avocado, South American Gunnera manicata, and bananas, adding an exotic touch to the landscape.
Just a few kilometers from the Garden of Ninfa lies Norma, famous primarily for the Archaeological Park of the Ancient City of Norba (a Roman city) and the Chocolate Museum, founded thirty years ago. It’s a journey rich in history and flavor. Additionally, for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, the village can be reached from Ninfa via an ancient medieval road.
Needless to say, spring is the best time to visit the Garden of Ninfa, when nature awakens and the park transforms into an explosion of colors and fragrances. It’s an unmissable experience for those who love the beauty and tranquility of nature, just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of the city.
