Ninfa lies to the south of Rome in the province of Latina, resting at the confines of the ancient city of Norba, and butting against Monte Lepini at the north basin, where natural springs produce more than 80 liters of water a second.
The history that survives Ninfa takes in many legendary figures, beginning with the earliest documentation when the lands were donated by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine V to Pope Zachary, a diplomatic power play that placed Ninfa under papal dominance. In the XIII century, Benedetto Caetani, Pope Boniface VIII, encouraged his nephew, Pietro Caetani to purchase the territory, which was a strategic transit route for marauding gangs of mercenary soldiers entering from southern kingdoms of Sicily. During the next two centuries, Ninfa was slowly deserted. Internal feuding among Caetani family heirs and malaria from stagnant lake waters wiped out thousands of inhabitants. The re-development of Ninfa began in 1920 when Galasio Caetani began to plant his magnificent garden among ancient and medieval ruins.
Spread over seven hectares, it’s a maze-like wonderland constructed around bridges, ponds and lakes. The garden has maintained its sylvan magic, reproducing it’s unparalleled beauty year after year.
It makes for a wonderful day trip, a refreshing escape from the city.
Ninfa Gardens, 40 km east of Rome can be easily reached by train to Latina Scalo (9km from Latina) From there, bus or taxi service will take you to the site. Gardens have limited opening days. From April to October, the 1st weekend and 3rd Sunday of each month.