Gran Melia Rome

The Horti of Agrippina, the large villa built by the mother of Emperor Caligula, extend on the south side of Via Cornelia, the road that at that time linked the Neronian Bridge to the Vatican mountains. The exact boundaries of the vast imperial possession are still not well known, but from the ruins of the buildings found out in the area and from the informa... More from Melia

The Horti of Agrippina, the large villa built by the mother of Emperor Caligula, extend on the south side of Via Cornelia, the road that at that time linked the Neronian Bridge to the Vatican mountains. The exact boundaries of the vast imperial possession are still not well known, but from the ruins of the buildings found out in the area and from the information provided by ancient sources, we know that they must extend between the northern slopes of the Gianocolo, the right bank of the Tiber river and the Borgo plain, occupied in ancient times by the Horti of Domizia. It is believed that Agrippina Maggiore may have received these gardens as inheritance from her husband Germanico or from her father Agrippa, Augusto’s son in law. On Agrippina’s death in 33 A.D. her son Galigula owned the Horti. Among the buildings that made up the vast complex, sources indicate a terrace and a porticus facing the shore of the river; a residential building located between the Gianicolo and Vatican, indicated in the medieval texts as Palatium Neronis and the big Vatican circus (circus Cai et Neronis) that extended into the area where now stands the basilica of S. Peter. To this last complex, that was the site of the sacrifice of the early Christian martyrs after the fire in 64 AD, belonged the obelisk that now is placed at the center of the square. Numerous remains of buildings have been found out in the course of the time, throughout the area that once was occupied by the villa. Among the most important ones, we remember the buildings present under the S. Spirit Hospital and the large domus recently discouvered by the Gianicolense tunnel at the southern end of the Horti. The visible complex under the hospital consists of brickwork and reticulated structures dated between the I and II century AD. Among them there is a large exedra opening to the River. In the past, a marble basin with carved marine scenes was found in this area, attributable to the first century AD. The recent excavations at the eastern entrance of the tunnel, brought to light a domus belonging to the Imperial age (perhaps attributable to the Horti) whose interiors are decorated with frescoes containing architectural motifs, flowers and animals (birds). Some rooms of the house were used as a deposit of numerous marble elements, during a renovation or a change of use of the building. These are pilasters, capitals and bases, in various types of marbles, which were probably part of the decoration of a ninfeo. From the type of fresco decorations, building techniques used and from some "bolli" bricks found during the excavation, we can assign the complex to the II century AD, that is, a period when the villa should have reached its maximum extension. F. A.Select your luxury accommodations from a broad range of exceptional suites. Opt for Castel Sant' Angelo view, outdoor Hydromassage or multiple bedrooms. Whichever you choose, look forward to a personal environment in which every detail has been considered for your comfort and satisfaction.Gran Meliá Rome invites you to discover a new world of healing and relaxation. Our Wellness Zone offers 3000 sq ft of unrivalled facilities, including 5 treatment rooms, a vitality pool, state of the art relaxation zone, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and gym with personal trainer services. Our new state-of-the-art SPA offers relaxing diversions such as: Life Fitness Area Sauna Steam bath Turkish baths Therapeutic indoor showers Interior whirlpool bath Rain and emotional showers Indoor relaxing area External relaxing Patio ( exclusive area with a old restored fountain of the 18th century) Massage cabin Health therapeutics treatmentsIndoor Restaurants: Exclusive concept with multi rooms. 5 different rooms, all together welcoming up to 200 guests, all on the same level where guests can enjoy mediterranean meals created by one of Italy's leading chefs. One of the indoor restaurant is a formal restaurant, offering an intimate setting with fine dining, seating 35 and overlooking the beautiful garden of the outdoor restaurant. Outdoor Restaurant: Informal restaurant on swimming pool level with a brasserie-style menu, all surrounded by old orange trees. A cascade fountain completes this unique atmosphere. Capacity up to 150 persons. American Bar: Offers an elegant setting to enjoy light meals, cocktails and canapés. Roof Garden: 3000 sq ft of terrace with 360 degrees breathtaking views. Trendy lounge atmosphere. Romance: Tailor made wedding programme.Three designed banquet and conference suites are luxuriously appointed with the most updated audiovisual equipment. Our facilities are equally suited for intimate dinner parties or lavish receptions. All banquet suites enjoy natural daylight. Business Center for all your needs. Green meeting programme.RedLevel Private Check-InPrivate Champagne WelcomeOpen Bar and Appetizers Service from 6 pm to 9 pmPersonalized Butler ServicePool Concierge ServiceBali Bed ReservationVIP Amenities upon arrivalCLARINS Bathroom AmenitiesExclusive ParkingCar Cleaning complimentaryPersonalized Minibar ServiceIn – room Tea & Coffee Maker Pillow MenuAroma MenuHydromassage Set upRED LEVEL Turndown Service with complimentary water Red Glove The internationally recognized concept of "White Glove" service and the glamorous ceremony of the "Red Carpet" are woven together to create Gran Meliá Hotels and Resorts' signature RedGlove Service. Red Glove Service is the heart and soul of everything we do at Gran Meliá. Red represents our Spanish heritage of which we are uniquely proud. It is also the color of passion, and it is an unwavering passion for service that makes Gran Meliá so wonderfully unique. 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