Villa Ada in Rome: the park, the lake and the history of the royal villa

Updated on October 5, 2026

Villa Ada, in northern Rome between Via Salaria and the Parioli district, is the city's second-largest public park after the Villa Doria Pamphilj, with about 160 hectares of pine groves, meadows, oak woods and a lake. It is the former private residence of the Savoy royal family: King Victor Emmanuel II acquired the estate in 1872, and the royal palace, the Villa Savoia, is now the Egyptian embassy. The park is open every day from 7am to sunset and is free. It is a place for walking and picnics rather than sightseeing: allow 1 to 2 hours.

Highlights

The lake and its island

The small lake at the centre of the park, with its island planted with plane trees, is the heart of Villa Ada: joggers and families mingle here. It is also where the stage of the Villa Ada Roma Incontra il Mondo festival stood before 2026.

The pine and oak avenues

The park is far wilder than the Villa Borghese: undergrowth, dirt paths and large lawns. It is a place on a Roman scale, where people come to exercise or read in the shade without the crowds of the tourist sites.

The Villa Savoia and royal memory

The Villa Savoia, the former residence of the royal family, can be seen from outside its gates; it cannot be visited. It was in front of it that Mussolini was arrested on 25 July 1943, as he left an audience with Victor Emmanuel III. The park also has a former air-raid bunker built for the royal family, whose visits are irregular: check before you go.

Summer festivals

Villa Ada is known for the music festival Villa Ada Roma Incontra il Mondo, which enlivened its summer evenings with concerts. In 2026, the City of Rome banned concerts and events in the park for the whole summer: check the programme before planning an evening.

Opening hours and access

The park is open every day from 7am to sunset; entry is free, with no ticket or booking. The main entrances are at Via Salaria 267-273-275, Via di Ponte Salario, Via di Monte Antenne and Via Panama.

Practical info

Tips

Bring water and a picnic: places to eat are rare. The park is large: choose an entrance close to your starting point and plan a loop around the lake. The park is closed at night; do not linger after sunset. Hours and rules checked in October 2026; summer events change every year.

How to get there

Main entrance Via Salaria 267, 00199 Rome, or Via di Monte Antenne and Via Panama on the Parioli side. The park is served by several bus lines on Via Salaria and in the Parioli district; check the nearest line and stop for your entrance on the city's transport app. From the Villa Borghese, allow about twenty minutes by car or bus.