Explore a zoological oasis in the center of Rome.
Hidden within the grounds of the famous Villa Borghese gardens is Bioparco Zoo, the oldest and largest zoo in Italy.
Highlights
- Watch grizzly bears as they speed through the water through a large underwater viewpoint.
- Wander through the tropical microclimate of the Reptile House and be transported halfway across the world.
- Try to spot the smallest monkeys in the world as pygmy marmosets roam their large enclosure.
Tickets & Prices
Discover which of the Bioparco tickets is available to you for purchase.
Full on a Fixed Date
For full access to the park, adults and children over the age of 10 (or over 1 meter tall) will need to purchase the adult fixed-date ticket.
It is far more cost-effective to buy your tickets in advance, as they are significantly cheaper. The further from your visiting date, the cheaper it will be.
Important Ticket Information:
- The ticket is valid for the date selected at checkout.
- Preset date tickets are not refundable.
- There are no entry time slots – you can arrive at any point on your chosen date.
- The last admission is 60 minutes before the closing time of the park.
- Many areas of the park close before the park itself. The earliest are the reptile and big cat enclosures, which close 60 minutes before the park.
- If you need to change your fixed-date ticket, you can extend its validity before its expiry by purchasing an upgrade.
Reduced on a Fixed Date
Younger visitors and senior citizens can enter the park at a reduced rate. Those under the age of 10 and over 1 meter tall can purchase tickets at this lower price, as can over 65s. Tickets are free for children under 1 meter tall and disabled carers.
As was the case for the adult ticket, the reduced rate ticket is cheaper the further from the date you get.
Ticket information is the same as for the adult fixed-date ticket.
What to See and Do
Rome’s largest zoo has plenty to see and do: Here’s what you can expect to experience during your visit.
Sea Lion Enclosure
Bioparco’s most recent addition is the California sea lion area. The huge tank has several underwater viewpoints, allowing visitors to watch the sea lions as they glide through the water.
The Lion Enclosure
Africa’s most famous big cat is always an impressive sight. The lion enclosure is one of the oldest in the park – it was present in 1911 for the grand opening. A large rework took place in 2001 to restore and improve the habitat, with the notable addition of private areas away from the prying eyes of people. Plenty of educational displays and viewpoints surround the exhibit, giving people a glimpse of this majestic animal while giving them the chance to learn more about it.
Lions are not the only big cats to be found in Bioparco. Another popular feline enclosure is the area for the Sumatran tigers, which covers a total area of around 1,000 square meters. Much of the information around this exhibit is dedicated to educating the public on the Sumatran tiger’s battle with extinction.
Reptile House
Bioparco’s Reptile House was built in 1935 by architect Raffaele De Vico but underwent restorations in the 2000s. You are transported into a tropical paradise inside the building as you weave through a miniature rainforest – look out for forest tortoises, chameleons, and the bright colors of exotic bird species.
Great Aviary
One of Bioparco’s crown jewels is its Great Aviary, which houses a number of different bird species, from white pelicans to grey-crowned cranes. The geodesic structure is unique in Europe, designed by Raffaele De Vico, and is made entirely of stainless steel.
Area of the World’s Smallest Monkeys
You can see the smallest species of monkey in the world at Bioparco. Emperor tamarin, cotton-top tamarin, and pygmy marmosets are all tiny primates found in the monkey enclosure.
Of these three, it is the latter, the pygmy marmoset, that is the smallest species of all. They weigh as little as 100 grams and can fit easily into the palm of your hand. You can watch them – and other primates – scurry through the trees in this fantastic enclosure.
Oasis of the Lake
The Oasis of the Lake is a place where visitors can come to see the flamingos and relax by the water. It’s an ideal spot for lunch, as it includes a picnic area and an outdoor play area for children.
Valley of the Bears
One of the largest enclosures in Bioparco is the Valley of the Bears, which gives the animals 3500 square meters of habitat to explore. There are seven different viewpoints to see the bears, including an underwater window so that the public can watch the grizzly bears swim through the water.
Other Exhibits
As the largest zoo in Rome, Bioparco has a great variety of species and enclosures on show. Others not previously mentioned include:
- The Cape Penguin Area
- Area of the Owls
- The Orangutan Enclosure
- Area of the White Rhinos
- House of the Giraffes
- Chimpanzee Village
- The Lemur Enclosure
Directions
To find Bioparco, follow signs to Villa Borghese. The zoo is located in Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico.
If using public transport, you can get a bus, tram, or the metro.
Buses run frequently to stops close to the park. You can catch any of these buses to reach Bioparco: 3, 52, 53, 926, 217, 360.
The tram will drop you off right outside, with the number 19 stopping at ‘Bioparco’.
For the metro, take the Linea A (red) line, and get off at either the ‘Flaminio’ or ‘Spagna’ stations.
Did You Know That: 4 Interesting Facts
- While zoos today are known as places of conservation and education as well as amusement, the zoological garden was commissioned for entertainment purposes only. In the early 20th century, most zoos were built for scientific purposes, not for the general public – the exhibitions at Villa Borghese were the exception to the rule.
- Rome’s Zoological Garden was one of the first zoos to introduce moats and ditches instead of cages.
- There are roughly 1200 animals in the park from 150 different species.
- With the total area covered by the park consisting of 42 acres, Bioparco is the largest zoo in all of Italy.
History
The history of Bioparco is relatively short in Rome: These are its most important events:
- 1908. A group of investors decided to open a zoological garden as entertainment for the masses.
- 1911. The Zoological Garden was opened to the public on January 5 by the architect Carl Hagenbeck.
- 1935. The architect Raffaele De Vico is granted a 5-acre extension to the zoological garden and adds many of its unique structures and buildings.
- 1940s. During and after the Second World War, the zoo started to fall into disrepair and deteriorate.
- 1970. The downward spiral of the zoological garden continues with the closure of the reptile house.
- 1998. To help rejuvenate the park, the zoological garden is transformed into Bioparco.
Address: Bioparco di Roma, Viale del Giardino Zoologico 1, 00197 Roma, Italy · view larger map