Rome's Farnese Gardens, or Horti Farnesiani, on the Palatine hill have reopened to the public for the first time in more than 30 years following a major restoration begun in 2013. Overlooking the Basilica of Maxensius and the Arch of Titus, the restored Renaissance gardens can be visited until 28 October as part of an exhibition-tour entitled The Palatine and its secret garden.

Established by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese in 1550 on the northern slopes of the Palatine, the terraced Horti Farnesiani featured aviaries and ancient sculptures and were the first private botanical gardens in Europe. Launching the exhibition, the director of the Colosseum archaeological park Alfonsina Russo explained: "Here, in the mid-16th century, after centuries of neglect, the Farnese family built a splendid garden of delights on scenic terraces, an astonishing fusion between culture and nature.”