Rome September 2017

Rome

Tuesday 26 September 2017

We fly from Bristol Airport with Easyjet to Rome airport Fiumicino or Leonardo da Vinci airport of Rome.  This is Italy’s first airport and Europe’s sixth where traffic volume is concerned. It lies 16 miles southwest of Rome and is linked to the city by train and by road. The ride by train lasts approximately 30 minutes and goes as far as the central railway station of Rome, Termini close to where our hotel is situated - Una Hotel on the Via Giovanni Amendola, 57, 00185 Roma RM, Italy. We had stayed in the Una Hotel in Venice last year and were pleased with it so chose this because it was also close to the Termini Station and about 20 minutes walk to the Colosseum. We were joined by our friends Liz and Ray who had flown in earlier from Birmingham. Our rooms were on the 6th floor and faced inwards so they were peaceful with no road or street noise. The hotel was contemporary and we had a large room with comfortable bed and large ensuite bathroom. That first evening we just wandered around the locality of the hotel to get our bearings. 

We are close to the Rome Termini Station where rail, bus, metro and tram intersect so a good place for transportation.

Rome's metro has two lines; the red A line and the blue B line. Both go through Termini Station,which is the hub of Rome's rail and metro network. The metro is a convenient way, depending on your starting point, to get to the Forum Romanum and Colosseum. Trains run approximately every five to 10 minutes between 5:30am and 11:30pm (one hour later on Saturday).

ATAC runs buses and trams in Rome. The central bus station is just outside Termini Station.You can pick up a map from the kiosk in the bus station, but you have to pay for it. Buses (and trams) are frequent, and much of Rome's population use buses to commute. There is also a night network. Tickets are valid on buses and the metro at 1Euro 50 but last 100minutes from time of purchase.  You can get tickets from metro stations or tobacconists. If you are there for any length of time, get a weekly or monthly card from a tobacconist.

On buses, you don't buy tickets. If you have a single ticket, you should validate it in one of the stamping machines on the bus, otherwise you will be considered to be travelling without a ticket.

Much of Rome can easily be navigated on foot and many of the major sights are confined to the Centro Storico area, which makes this a very pleasant way of getting around. It also gives you a break from the vast crowds that storm the major sights every day, and a chance to really get a sense of the atmosphere of this amazing city. If you are short on time in Rome and want to see most of the tourist sights and don't mind a day or two on your feet, you might like to try this walking tour. It covers most of the main sights in the Vatican City and Centro Storico. We found the Colosseum was only a 20 minute walk from the hotel but don’t be taken by surprise according to the walking app on my phone we walked between 5 and 7 miles each day we were in Rome. 

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is one of the most important cities in the world in terms of history and culture, as it was at the heart of the Roman Empire and is the centre of one of the world's major religions. Although it has relatively 'new' attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, the city is mostly known for its older magnificent buildings and ruins, like the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Forum Romanum. And if that is not enough, you can always visit another country, right in the middle of the city: Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, which is known for its huge basilica, St. Peter's. Of course, like any other Italian city, you can enjoy good cappuccinos, pizza and pasta in Rome as well. Or just sit down and relax for a while enjoying a fresh beer or good vino (wine!), after walking from one highlight to the other, because that's what Rome is all about.

We had four clear days to visit the various sites and had pre-booked a guided tour of the Colosseum, The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

27 September 2017

The Colosseum is not the oldest, nor the biggest Roman arena (the Circus Maximus could hold 5 times as many people), but it is the most famous Arena and one of the biggest landmarks in Rome for sure. It was opened in 80 A.D., and the inauguration of the arena lasted for a 100 days. The stadium could hold up to 50,000 people, who came to watch the fights between man and animal, and man versus man. In general the fighters were slaves, prisoners of war, but also volunteers. The floor of the arena could be flooded for the occasional sea battle.

In the middle ages the Colosseum, was transformed into a fortress. During the centuries it was damaged a couple of times by earthquakes, and it was also used as a quarry for marble, that was used in the construction of several palaces and churches in Rome. It also became a holy site that served as church, monastery and general place of worship. In the last century the traffic, the metro and concerts also caused damage.  To this day though it one of the most recognized images in the world and any visit to Rome is not complete without a trip to the Colosseum.

It was worth paying for the tour on a quick entry ticket without having to queue and our guide was excellent.

Moving on from the Colosseum we made our way to the Roman Forum

Again we were able to ‘skip the queue”. To many the Roman Forum may just look like a huge field littered with rocks, but you have to remember that this once was the focal point of an empire that lasted a thousand years. Entrance to the Forum used to be free, but is now included in the ticket for the Colosseum and the Palantine Hill. The Forum was layed out along side the Via Sacra, which leads from the Colosseum to Capitol Hill.

In the Forum you will find several sights of interest :The Arch of Titus was erected after the victory of the Romans over the Jews during the sack of Jerusalem. It was built by Jewish slaves as a humiliation. For ages Jews refused to walk underneath this arch. Until 1948, when the country of Israel was created after world war II. It is said that the Arch of Titus is the arch on which many other Arches, including the Arc de Triompfe in Paris are modelled.

The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is  the biggest structure in the Forum, and one that was added quite late. The build was started under Emperor Maxentius in 308. After he was defeated by Constantine at the battle of the Milvian Bridge it was finished by Constantine in 312. At this moment only the northern wall of the church still stands, considering that this is only one of the two side naves, it gives you an impression on how huge this Basilica must have been. Opposite the north wall you will find the foundations of the south wall. 

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The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is an ancient Roman temple which was adapted to the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, which means that most of the structure is still standing however changed quite a lot during the years. The temple was erected in 141 A.D. and dedicated to Empress Faustina. After the death of Emperor Antonius this temple was also dedicated to him.

In the main square you will find a small temple, that now looks more like a busstop with a cover on top. This is the Temple of Julius Caesar. It was placed here by Augustus on the place where Caesar was cremated. The temple was erected in 29 BC. Until today people lay flowers on this spot.

Nearby the three tall colums belong to the Temple of Caster and Pollux. It was originally built in gratitude for victory at the battle of Lake Regillus (495 BC). Castor and Pollux (Greek Polydeuces) were the Dioscuri, the "twins" of Gemini, the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leda.

On the right behind the temple of Julius Caesar is the small round Temple of Vesta. This is where the sacred fire of Rome was kept burning by the Vestal virgins that lived in a house near the temple. The virgins were chosen at the age of 6, and needed to serve for 30 years. They spent the first 10 years training for their later tasks. After that they spent the next 10 years of service. Besides keeping the flame of the sacred fire burning, they appeared at ceremonies and festivals. The virgins also had special seats of honour at the Colosseum. The last 10 years of their service were spent in teaching the new generation. The Cult of Vesta left the Forum, when in the 4th century all non-Christian religions were outlawed. 

Of the house of the Vestal Virgins you can still see the outlines, and the two pools that belonged to the house. After 30 years of service many virgins chose to stay at the house.

The Curia or Senate house was the oldest political building of the Forum. It has been rebuilt several times. This is the place where the senate ruled the republic for 500 years, but it also kept active during the age of the Empire. The building still stands because it was used as a church for many years. In 1937 the Curia was restored to the way it looked under Emperor Diocletian. The orginal doors of the Curia were used by Borromini for the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno.

Close to the Curia and at the end of the Via Saccra stands the Arch of Septimius Severus. It was built in 203 A.D. after the victory over the Parthians. (who lived in what we now call Iran.) The central panel on the arch, depicts the Parthians being led away in chains.

Ruins of the Roman Forum

The Rostrum is a huge stage that stands not far from the Curia, it was used as the place where politians and emperors spoke to the people. In front of the Rostrum is the last monument to be added to the Roman Forum, which was the Column of Phocas a gift from the Emperor Phocas, who ruled the Eastern Empire. Behind the Rostrum stood the Temple of Saturn, now we only see the 8 remaining columns that stood on the entrance of the temple. This temple held the treasury of Rome. The treasury was later moved to the Tabularium, which is now beneath the Capitoline museums. From the forum you can see the arches that belong to the Tabularium. If you pay a visit to the Capitoline Museum you can visit it, and also see the foundations of the Temple of Jupiter that stood on Capitoline Hill.

Hop on Hop Off Bus

Today we decided to have a rest and took a circular trip on the bus. Taking the Green Line hop-on hop-off tour by open-top bus, you can easily orientate yourself and spend time city sightseeing as you travel past attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican City listening to the audio commentary and hop on and off at any of the stops. We selected a 24 hour sightseeing ticket at 18 Euros. 

What to Expect

Rome has a bounty of things to see and the mix of its architecture is testament to its past; Roman ruins, baroque squares and Renaissance gardens combine to give the city its enticing edge. You can see it all from the top of the  hop-on hop-off bus tour, and learn about the Italian capital as you go.You drive around the Colosseum where gory gladiatorial battles once 

took place, and have your camera ready for Piazza Venezia, home to the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for luck, or stretch your legs on a walk through Vatican City. 

Depending on traffic the full loops lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, and audio commentary is provided for each sight you pass. 

Pantheon

Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome, the building we see today dates back to 120 A.D. The original building was older, but was destroyed and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian. On the outside you see 16 columns that were made in one piece in Egypt, and transported to Rome. Inside the most impressive sight is that of the dome. Until the renaissance it was the biggest dome in the world, and it was the basis for the dome that Michelangelo built for St. Peter's. In the middle of the dome, you will see a big hole, which is the only source of light for the building. When it rains holes in the floor make sure that the water makes it way out.

The floorplan of the Pantheon is still the same as in Roman times, and most of the inside of the building is still the same, except for the statues of Catholic saints, the tomb of Raphael, and the tombs of 2 kings of Italy. (Victor Emanuelle II and Umberto I.)

Capitoline Museum

The Capitoline museum (Musei Capitolini) was created in 1471 when Pope Sixus IV donated a group of bronze statues to the people of Rome. These statues are still an important part of the collection. This collection includes the statue of the she-wolf, with under it the twins Remus and Romulos (although the boys were added later.) that symbolises Rome. A copy of this statue can also be seen on the square. A new part of the museum was created to hold the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius on a horse. This statue was the focal point of the Piazza de Campidoglio, but it was moved inside to perserve it better. The rest of the collection mainly focusses on statues and paintings. The are exhibitions usually on the second and third floor of the Palazzo del Conservatori. (sometimes dubbed: Palazzo Clementino).

The museum is situated in two buildings: the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo del Conservatori. These two buildings are on the left and right side of the Piazza de Campidoglio. Entrance to the museum is at the Palazzo del Conservatori. The buildings are connected under the ground by the Tabularium, where you can find remains of Roman temples, and a small exhibition. From here you also have a nice view over the Roman Forum. The museum is opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 8:00pm (last admission at 7:00pm).

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi fountain, inspired by Roman triumphal arches, is the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in Rome (standing 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide). 

In 1629, Pope Urban VIII, asked Bernini to sketch possible renovations of the fountain, finding it insufficiently theatrical. After the Pope's death the project was abandoned. Bernini's lasting contribution was to situate the fountain from the other side of the square to face the Quirinal Palace (so that the Pope could see and enjoy it). 

The Trevi Fountain as we know it today, was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and competed in 1762.

The central figures of the fountain are Neptue (God of the sea), flanked by two Tritons. One struggles to master a very unruly "sea horse", the other lead a far more docile animal. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea. 

 Appropriately for a fountain resembling a stage set, the theatrical Trevi Fountain has been the star of many films shot in Rome, including romantic films such as "Three coins in a fountain" and "Roman holiday", but also "La dolce vita", Federico Fellini's satirical portrait of Rome in the 1950s.

Tradition has it a coin thrown into the water guarantees a visitor's return to Rome.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps is one of Rome's most recognizable attractions and a popular gathering spot, but was intended as a gateway to the church that rests atop the staircase.

The elegant staircase of 135 steps was inaugurated in the Jubilee Year of 1725 by Pope Benedict XIII, originally used to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Church of Trinità dei Monti. The name comes from the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican that has been located in the piazza since the 1600s. 

The Piazza di Spagna has long been a meeting point and hang-out for foreign visitors and Roman youth. The steps are the perfect place to sit and watch the action in the piazza, rest and soak in the scene. They have been featured in many films, and you might feel like you're an extra on a movie set when you're sitting in the midst of the action. The Spanish Steps are beautifully decked out with azaleas in spring and a life-size nativity scene during the holidays. Next to them is the famed Babington's Tea Room, a plush spot popular with Anglo visitors for years, and is the adjoining Keats-Shelley Memorial House. 

Down below in the piazza is the fanciful fountain called the Barcaccia, a whimsical lopsided boat created by Pietro Bernini, whose son Gian Lorenzo, became a sensationally successful sculptor and architect. The Spanish Steps along mark the beginning of the famous Via dei Condotti, also known as "designer row" where the most upscale shops in Rome are located.

VATICAN CITY

On Friday 29 September 2017 we were pre-booked to visit Vatican City. Unfortunately a transport strike had been called in the city for 4 hours starting at 8.00am  so we got up early and after an early breakfast got a taxi to outside of the Vatican tourist entrance where we would meet tour guide.Cost of taxi 12 Euros which seems very reasonable for 4 adults on a good 20 minute journey.  Having set off early we arrived 2 hours before the due time and managed to get on an earlier tour. This was fortunate as we had an excellent guide Sev, an American from Bethesda Washington DC who had trained as an archaeologist but had worked as a guide in Rome for 14 years. He was so knowledgeable and clear. 

It was good to start early at Vatican City – and for early birds St Peter's opens at 7:00am and the museum opens at 9:00am so there is time to get the Grottoes and the Basilica ticked off before heading to the Vatican Museum (about a 5 to 10-minute walk away). The Metro A-Line to Ottaviano will get you there.

Our guided tour lasted for just over three hours for the incredible museum even if you are not overly interested in art and Christian history. Fine arts and history aficionados could easily write off a whole week in here so don't underestimate the time you need. Our guide seemed to painlessly follow routes through the museum, all of which eventually lead to the Sistene Chapel.We started in the Vatican Gardens.

While Vatican City is an independent sovereign state, it happens to be located entirely in Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber. You don't need to show a passport to enter, but we had to pass ourself and  bags through X-ray scanners. Thankfully we did not have to queue for more than 5 minutes.

Even ignoring the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums are some of the most important museums in the world. The Vatican has a superb gallery, excellent Roman and Etruscan collections, and plenty more. one of the highlights  is the apartments that were decorated by Raphael. 

There is so much to see and to see the best a guided tour is highly recommended.  The highlight of the visit  is the The Sistine Chapel known for Michelangelo's two most famous masterpieces: the ceiling, depicting numerous scenes from the Old Testament and the Last Judgement, occupying the entire wall behind the altar.One cannot fail to be moved by these paintings especially as Michelangelo was really a sculptor. We were allowed 10 minutes to study the paintings and the crowds in the chapel are overwhelming.

Leaving The chapel we then visited St Peter's Basilica which is the centre of the Catholic faith, the richest and most important church in the world. Built on top of the remains of St. Peter. The views from the top of the Dome, 130 metres above St. Peter's Square, should be wonderful if you are fit enough to climb the steps. We felt that would be too much.The entrance to the stairs and the elevator are on the rightside of the Basilica, where you will also find the entrance to the Vatican Grotto that holds the remains of many popes including John Paul II, who died in 2005

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After the museum we walked back to St Peter's square and marvelled at the sheer number of people queuing for their turn in the Basilica. we then walked down the obelisk-lined Via della Conciliazione to the Castel Sant'Angelo (you'll recognise the archangel statue on top from the movie “Angels and Demons”.) 

There is a museum inside the Castle which you may want to check out, and you can walk up to the top.We had done enough walking so gave this a miss continuing to walk over the Ponte del Sant’Angelo.  

Leaving the Vatican we pass by Castel Sant'Angelo which was built to be Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, it was used by the medieval Popes as a castle and prison.

In the evening we walk a short stroll from our hotel to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: With mosaics dating from the fourth century.

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome. Its construction was ordered by Pope Liberio who – they say – on August 5th 356 saw the Virgin Mary in his dreams. She indicated him where to construct the church through a snow fall that happened on the Esquilino Hill (this is the reason why the church is also called by the second name of Saint Mary “ad Nives”, of the Snows). It seems, however, that the actual Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica was built under Sisto III who erected it and dedicated it to Mary’s motherhood, just after the Council of Efeso in 431. 

The bell tower with its pyramid-shaped point dates 1300, and with its 75 metres it’s the tallest in Rome. In 1500 the side chapels were added. 

On the back of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Piazza Esquilino one can admire the apsidal area realized in 1600 by the architect Carlo Rainaldi. In the centre of the Esquilino square is a huge obelisk originally from the Mausoleum of Augustus, and erected by will of Pope Sisto V in 1587.

On Saturday 30 September 2017 on recommendation we make our day to Basilica Santa Sabina. Santa Sabina is one of the oldest basilicas in Rome. Originally a private home, this church continued to grow over centuries, and is currently the motherhouse of the Dominican Order of priests. Saint Dominic himself lived here after the founding of the Order in 1216.

A simple, not terribly ornate church, Santa Sabina nonetheless is important among the churches in Rome. Quiet and unassuming, it has a wooden door (enter to your left) which is extraordinarily old and contains art carvings which entice art history students.

Currently, this is the church where the Pope traditionally celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass. After touring the church, you can take a walk to other sites nearby: the orange garden, the "keyhole" at the Knights of Malta, the abbey of San Anselmo.The church was built early 5th century by priest Pietro d’Illiria. Constructed on the site of a Roman house, owned by a woman named Sabina, it underwent numerous changes over its lifetime, with major alterations taking place in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the early 1900’s, much of the church was restored to its original form, stripping away the heavy changes made throughout the centuries.

The 5th century cypress wooden double doors has 28 panels, with 18 of them portraying episodes from the New and Old Testaments, the other 10 panels are bare. The panel depicting the Crucifixion of Christ is thought to be one of the first images representing the subject. The back of the door has 28 panels, with 17 of them carved with flowers and foliage. Sadly, only one of the original 5th century mosaics has survived, it is a large blue rectangle with gold script. The mosaic mentions Pietro d’Illiria and has a woman at each end, one holds the Old Testament and the other, the New Testament. The central nave has the mosaic tombstone of Munoz de Zamora, who died in 1300 and was Master General of the Dominican Order.

When we got to the Basilica di Santa Sabina such a lovely church perched up on the Aventine Hill away from the crowds there was wedding taking place. It is well worth the walk up the hill and Giardino Degli Aranci, next door to the church, offers one of the best views over Rome.The neighbourhood exudes wealth and it is a quiet place out of the city. 

VILLA BORGHESE

From here we then went to the Villa Borghese which is a landscape garden, containing a number of buildings, museums  and attractions. It is the third largest public park in Rome (80 hectares or 197.7 acres). The gardens were built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, developing sketches by Scipione Borghese who used it as a villa suburbana, a party villa, at the edge of Rome, and to house his art collection. The gardens as they are now were remade in the early nineteenth century.

 Below the view across the city form the gardens.

The Borghese Gardens (Parco della Villa Borghese) is basically a huge big park, conveniently located in the centre of Rome – treat it like your own backyard. It's a large area, covered with spreading shade trees, grass, park benches, wide paths, fountains, cafes, stalls with snacks and cold drinks. A great place to stop in just to take a break from sightseeing. We rented a 4 wheeled cycle with an electric motor and had great fun riding around the park but you have to be careful as you can go out onto the roads amongst the traffic. A good hours entertainment for 20 Euros. We stopped by the Cinema dei Piccoli a charming little theatre for children and had a sandwichand drink.  VILLA MEDICI

After visiting the gardens we made our way a short distance towards the Spanish Steps and the next door property is the Villa Medici. The creation of the French Academy in Rome was part of the policy of great work of King Louis XlV at the end of the 17th century. Those works transformed the Louvre, the Tuileries, and Versailles. The Academy was created in 1666 under the leadership of Colbert, Le Brun and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It welcomed artists who won the First Prize of Rome and several protégés of powerful lords. Young artists pensioned by the king got broadened training, being in touch with Rome and Italy. At the time pensioners followed a regime of strict discipline and devoted their stay to the realisation of copies of Antique or Renaissance art. In 1720 architects joined the sculptors and painters as pensioners.

Before being transferred to the Villa Medici the Academy headed in different buildings. It started in the modest house near Sant’Onofrio on the side of the Janiculum, before moving to the Caffarelli palace in 1683 and to the Capranica palace in 1684. Then the Academy was moved to the Mancini palace in 1725. At the time the Academy welcomed the painters Boucher, Subleyras, Fragonard, David as well as sculptors like Houdon. During the Revolution the function of director was abolished. The Mancini palace had been plundered and devastated by Roman counter-revolutionaries in February 1793. Some pensioners fled to Naples or Florence. After those events the Academy was removed. It was reinstated in 1795 by the Directory, but it needed a new place to be welcomed. On May 18, 1803 France and the Court of Etrury decided to trade the Mancini palace for the Villa Medici.

Since 1991, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication has undertaken a vast restoration campaign of Villa Medici involving the ensemble of constructions on the estate as well as the gardens, in order to re-establish the splendor of this late XVIth century Renaissance palace. Works began in 1991 with the restoration of the Galerie du Bosco, an extension of the library wing whose façade had been eroded by humidity. Works continued between 1994 and 1997 with the restoration of the façade of the Villa giving onto the piazzale. This unique façade is often cited as one of the most magnificent presentations of antiquarian collections in the Renaissance. In depth studies on the state of conservation lasting over a year demonstrated that the original construction materials were in a satisfactory state to the relief and joy of all and sundry. The restoration of the courtyard and its covering (façades and roofing) of the Villa were terminated in 2000.

In 2001, after the appearance of disquieting cracks, a study on the structural solidity of the Villa was launched. The conclusions were alarming: the resistance values of the materials of the partition walls were comparable to those of sand. The Italian authorities and the French General Inspector of Historical Monuments quickly came to an agreement on the financial and labour necessities for the consolidation of the structures of Villa Medici. The works, which began at the ground floor and proceeded to the upper floors, recovered the entirety of the partition walls by following a very specific innovative technique. Prestressed steel tension bars between two anchor plates traversed the walls from side to side, the ensemble was unified with bands of carbon fiber applied horizontally to the walls. From 2007, the restoration project resumed parallel to the works of consolidation with the renewed waterproofing of the vaulting of the antique cistern, the cleansing of the loggia, as well as of the inside construction sites for the restauration of the three rooms belonging to the Cardinal terminated in 2012. The painted caissoned ceilings and the frescoed friezes realized by Jacopo Zucchi and the murals in the apartment of the Director were restored in the same period of time.

The 8 hectares of garden have also been undergoing restoration since 2001. These works concern not only the vegetation, but also the architectural elements: the restoration of the Parnasse with the replacing of the fountain in its original position, (2002-2005), the recovery of the Loggia of Cleopatra, (2009-2010), that of the statuary, the fountains (six of which were restored between 2006 and 2007) as well as various monumental gateways (the Vignola portal in 2007, the San Vittorio portal in 2012). Finally, always in the garden, the Ferdinando de Medici pavilion was the object of an exemplary restoration in 2011 returning the éclat to the frescoes of the aviary realized by Jacopo Zucchi in 1576 – 1577, and which were recovered by fellow of the Academy Géraldine Albers in 1985. The actions on the vegetation began in 2003 with the definition of the geometric scheme by repositioning the hedges surrounding the sixteen squares in the historical garden as well as the herms which mark the corners. The parterre was replanted according to a XIXth century design in 2005. More specific actions in the squares consist of the creation of a vegetable garden and an orchard. Since 2010, particular attention has been devoted to the eco-responsible management of the garden and the conservation of the arboreal legacy of the park.