In my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of Rome is the archaeological complex of Villa Gordiani, to the east of the city, in the Prenestina area. A real beating heart of history, largely (for reasons of preservation and, perhaps, also for lack of funds) still buried. Despite this, however, the very clear archaeological traces make this area one of the most beautiful in Rome. Discover it with me, being a real tour guide and real curios people!
Imagine being able to walk freely in a green and equipped area where you can understand how much the glorious past of the Eternal City is clearly visible in the modern urban fabric. This area demonstrates how rich the subsoil of the city is and how incredible Rome is for this reason: the visibility, even in particular contexts like this one, of once splendid buildings or architectural complexes. As the name suggests, probably in this place stood the residence of the Gordiani family which was capable, however, to give three emperors to Rome. It is said that the complex was surrounded by a portico made up of two hundred columns, many with a different style from each other! Already this data can make us understand how here we are facing one of the most shining examples of aristocratic residences located outside the city walls, complexes with numerous buildings with different intended uses often surrounded by greenery, tree and floral species.
Moreover, just to give an idea of what you can find walking in what, today, is an extensive green park open to all, cut in two by the Prenestina, it is enough to draw up a small list of what is can still be seen today. Monumental ruins that remind us of how a family mausoleum with an adjoining basilica stood here (architectural solution very popular in the 4th century a.D.. which its style is close to the marvelous and wonderful Mausoleum of Santa Costanza at the Via Nomentana in Rome). We still note today the bases of the columns that were supposed to flank the main nave. Then we have what is considered a cistern for collecting water, especially useful for feeding the fantastic spas which, according to some ancient sources, had nothing to envy to the much better known ones of Diocletian or Caracalla. In short, a true archaeological treasure still largely underground today. Who knows how much more can be found, here like in the rest of Rome...
