Rome, Italy - Domus Severias and Farnese Garden entrance

South of the Roman Forum we could see the brick ruins of the private residences of Augustus and the welcoming entrance to the Farnese Gardens from Via di San Gregorio.  I am glad that the tour guide took a moment to point out the columns standing in a small traffic island.

In Piazza di Porta Capena there stands a memorial to 9/11. Two concrete columns solemnly represent the Twin Towers.  Click here to see a wonderful slide show of the dedication ceremony in Rome.  (The memorial is shown on the map below as #1.)

Leaving Piazza di Porta Capena, we turned right on on Via di San Gregorio. We were returning to the area with the Roman Forum (and all of the other forums) and the Colosseum.  This map should help.  You can't tell from the map, but 2, 3, and 4 are on a hill.

 To our left, on top of the Palentine hill and behind evergreens, stood "The Severian Buildings".

The next three photographs are closeup views of the "Severian Buildings" complex.  On the left hand side and in the middle you can see the "Domus Severiana". These buildings were an enlargement to an existing private residence for Augustus.  (#2 on the map)

#2 on the map

Through the trees, and on the right hand side of the photography, you can see the Severian Baths.  (#2 on the map)

I am not sure what this is but my guess is that it is an aqueduct build to bring water to the baths.  I looked at an aerial map and there is a trough in the top. It is #3 on the map and is fairly close. What do you think?

This is the gate "Horti Palatini" that is an entrance to the Farnese Gardens (Orti Farnesiani sul Palatino).  These gardens were created by Cardinal Farnese and were the first private botanical gardens in Europe. More about the gardens can be found here.

A closer view of the top of the Horti Palantini entrance.

The street Via di San Gregorio turns to the right (for traffic) and changes to Via Celio Vibenna.  If you were walking, you can stay on Via di San Gregorio and go directly to the Arch of Constantine in Piazza del Colosseo.  (#5 on the map)  This is the only triumphant arch to make extensive use of "spoila" from other monuments.

A little bit closer and you can see the details.

Nice section and reminds me that I want to go to the top of Palantine Hill and see what is there.  Tourist rockstar Sara made it to the top in another trip and said that it was delightful to see the living areas.