This immense park measuring 182 hectares is fit for a king. Originally the home of King Victor Emmanuel III during the first half of the 20^th century, Villa Ada now houses the Egyptian embassy and consulate. Breaking from official business, the park is also a training ground for athletes, a concert stage for music-lovers, and a haven for locals from all that is hectic.

For athletes, the park’s paths are a great place to scuff up your running shoes. If endurance exercise isn’t your thing, you can hop on a rental bike instead to explore the vast grounds. Villa Ada even offers pony rides for a change of pace.

Be sure to check out the Incontra il Mondo music festival that plays at the park each summer. International music from across oceans converges at the park’s lakeshore for one of Rome’s longest running, continuous initiatives.

Villa Ada is considered one of the wildest parks in Rome, and it boasts a wide variety of plant and animal species. Its landscape is partly wooded and there is a lake where you can canoe. In addition, the park’s 67m-high Monte Antenne gives hikers a nice view as well as access to an archaeological dig site, which uncovered the ruins of an 1870 fort.

Villa Ada was named after the wife of the king’s administrator. Now a beautiful public park, the people of Rome can call this princely prize their own.