Rome Hotels near Villa Ada

Once devoted to olive groves, gardens, and the villas of Rome’s patrician class, the tracts of land along the Via Salaria around Atemnae became the Renaissance summer homes of those wealthy Romans who had found favor with the Papacy. At the end of the eighteenth century, a magnificent villa was built there as a hunting lodge for Italy’s ruling family, the Savoys. Its interior was never completely finished; and in 1878 it was sold to Count Telfener, an Italian financier and railroad engineer.

In 1879, Count Telfener married his second wife, Ada, named his royal villa in her honor, and in celebration threw open its grounds to the public for a day of exhibition races between his own horses. In 1904, after Telfener’s death, the now-completed Villa Ada again became home to the Italian royal family. Its name reverted to Villa Savoia, and remained so until King Umberto was deposed in 1946.

Villa Ada Attractions

Today the Villa Ada is in part home to the Egyptian Embassy, and in part open to the public, as are its 34 hectares of open spaces, woodlands, walking and running trails, and five-pool swimming complex. Visitors to Villa Ada can rent bicycles, canoes, or even ponies, or spend a leisurely afternoon strolling among its brown orchids, giant cedars, rose mimosas, and other botanical wonders.

At the eastern end of Villa Ada, not far from the base of the hill which was once home to Antemnae, a manmade lake is the site of the parks’ internationally flavoured summer concert series, “Villa Ada incontra il Mondo” --Villa Ada meets the world. The concerts take place three nights every week from mid-June to early August.

The younger set can while away the hours at Villa Ada on roller skates or the kiddie rides, and in the games area. Even the family dog is free to socialize off its leash!

And for history lovers, Catacombe di Priscilla, is a must-see underground labyrinth of tombs dating back to 91 A.D, and easily accessed from Via Salaria at the southern edge of the park.

Villa Ada is open from 7:00 A. M. until sunset, but visitors are cautioned to avoid remaining in the park after dark, especially if they are alone.

Where to Stay Near Villa Ada

Located in one of Rome’s most charming and prestigious neighbourhoods, the Parioli, the Borromini Boscolo Hotel Rome provides four-star lodging withing walking distance of Villa Ada, Villa Borghese, and the National Gallery of Modern Art.