“Can you imagine a zoo designed not just for science, but for pure entertainment?” I ask, gesturing towards the entrance of Bioparco. This isn’t just any zoo. Bioparco, nestled within the sprawling greenery of Villa Borghese, was a revolutionary concept when it opened in 1911. Imagine this: a time when zoos were primarily for scientific study. Bioparco, the brainchild of Carl Hagenbeck, dared to be different. It was designed to bring the wonder of exotic animals to the public. Hagenbeck, already renowned for his Hamburg Zoo, brought his innovative touch to Rome. He replaced cages with moats and open spaces, creating a more natural environment for the animals. Picture a grand aviary, its geodesic structure a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, home to a symphony of exotic birdsong. Envision the Valley of the Bears, a sprawling habitat where you can observe grizzly bears from underwater viewing points as they glide through the water. Today, Bioparco continues to evolve. It’s home to over 1,100 animals from 222 species, from pygmy marmosets, the smallest monkeys on earth, to the majestic Sumatran tigers, fighting for survival in the wild. As you explore Bioparco, remember you’re walking through history, experiencing the legacy of a zoo that dared to entertain and educate.
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli
Is this heaven? Because standing before the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Monticelli, one might feel a touch of the