Rodini Park

Overview

Rodini Park is a verdant valley 3 km south of the Old Town, considered one of the oldest landscaped parks in the world. Shaded by plane trees and oleanders, it has streams, small bridges, peacocks, and ancient Ptolemaic rock-cut tombs.

Highlights

• Ancient Tombs: Rock-cut Hellenistic tombs, including a monumental Ptolemaic tomb with carved half-columns.
• Peacocks and Ducks: Feral peacocks and ducks roam freely along the stream.
• Shaded Refuge: Dense canopy of plane trees and oleanders provides welcome shade in summer.

History

Rodini was the site of a Roman aqueduct and Hellenistic cemetery. Legend places the School of Rhetoric here, where famous orators studied. The Italians landscaped it as a public park in the 1920s. It remains a favourite local retreat from the summer heat.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The park is open and free.
• Morning Walk: Best visited in the cool of the morning.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.