The citys rose gardens on the Aventine hill, behind the Circo Massimo, are open until the end of July, 08.00-19.00 daily. The 10,000-sqm park was once a Jewish cemetery, a fact that is marked by the paths laid out in a candelabra shape. The park is divide into two sections: a large area featuring ancient and modern roses tracing the flowers development from antiquity to present day; and the competition gardens, where horticulturalists from around the world submit new species for an annual competition. Roses are planted about two years before the competition, and are judged by an international committee.