The municipal rose garden on the Aventine hill is hosting the 69th edition of the prestigious Premio Roma prize on 21 May. The international competition selects the most beautiful rose in the capital each year. The rose garden is home to 1,200 different varieties and is open daily free of charge until 19 June.

Currently flower lovers can enjoy the higher section of the gardens which feature a collection of classic specimens while the lower part of the garden, which extends towards the Circo Massimo and contains this year's competition entries, opens to the public the day after the prize-giving ceremony, on 22 May. Those passing through Via Nazionale this week will notice the pre-show display of rose-filled pots along the steps leading up to the Palazzo delle Espozioni.

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