Villa Doria Pamphili

Villa Doria Pamphili is known for its sprawling villa and a vast park that covers 180 hectares. This green oasis serves as a major recreation area for Rome’s residents and is especially popular among joggers, who make good use of its wide, shaded paths and open lawns.

A Natural Haven in the City

Among the park’s many features, the area around the lake stands out for its lively wildlife. One unusual inhabitant is the coypu, also known as the swamp beaver. These animals are not native to Italy; their origins trace back to South America. The colony found here today descends from a group that managed to escape a local fur farm, adapting to their new home with surprising ease.

Coypus are now a regular sight around the lake in Villa Doria Pamphili. Visitors can often spot them swimming or sunning themselves near the water. The presence of these animals adds an unexpected twist to the park’s natural environment, creating a unique and memorable experience for nature lovers and families. Similar colonies of coypus can also be found by the banks of the Tiber River, further highlighting the adaptability of these curious creatures.