Castel Porziano Natural Reserve
Just a few kilometres from the heart of Rome, a surprising natural oasis opens up: the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano. A vast area full of history and biodiversity, stretching over 6,000 hectares between coastal pine forests, the Roman shoreline and the Lazio countryside.
A hidden corner of nature just outside Rome: the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano
This place, now a nature reserve and the summer residence of the President of the Republic, is home to one of Italy’s most precious ecosystems. Here, nature takes centre stage.
As you walk through its centuries-old woods and wide clearings, you might spot deer, fallow deer, wild boars, and even foxes, porcupines and hares. Look up, and you’ll see buzzards, peregrine falcons, grey herons, barn owls and many other bird species. If you're lucky and it's the right season, you might even hear the majestic red deer in rut — a rare and fascinating sight.
There are also ponds, streams and marshy areas that attract amphibians, reptiles and a wide variety of insects and butterflies, making the ecosystem even more lively and colourful.
Castelporziano is a treasure of both nature and history: once a retreat for Roman emperors, today it’s a protected area where nature is preserved, studied and shared. Visits are guided and must be booked in advance, to ensure the protection and respect of this unique environment.
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