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Villa Torlonia is a historic estate located in Rome. The Torlonia family, a prominent Italian noble family, initially owned it. The villa and its surrounding grounds have undergone significant renovations over the years and are now open to the public as a museum and park.
History of Villa Torlonia
The estate was initially owned by the Colonna, a noble family of Rome, in the 16th century. In the early 19th century, the property was purchased by Giovanni Torlonia, a prominent Italian banker and member of the Torlonia family.
Under Giovanni Torlonia’s ownership, extensive renovations and expansions were carried out, transforming the villa into an elegant neoclassical mansion. The renowned architect Giuseppe Valadier was involved in designing and constructing the villa’s main building, Casino Nobile.
In the late 19th century, Marino Torlonia, Giovanni’s son, expanded the estate by adding various buildings, including the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) in the Art Nouveau style.
During the 20th century, Villa Torlonia became associated with Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy. In 1925, Mussolini acquired the villa from the Torlonia family and used it as his official residence in Rome. He made significant modifications to the property, including adding a bunker and a private airfield.
After World War II, the villa changed hands multiple times and fell into neglect. However, in the late 1970s, Rome acquired the property and initiated a restoration project.
Today, Villa Torlonia is open to the public as a museum and park. The buildings and grounds have been restored, and visitors can explore the architectural beauty, gardens, and art collections associated with the estate’s fascinating history.
Read also about Villa Borghese Gardens.
What to See in Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. The main villa, Casino Nobile, is an impressive neoclassical mansion with ornate interiors. It was once the residence of Mussolini during his dictatorship.
The estate also features several other buildings, including the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls), renowned for its Art Nouveau style, and a museum dedicated to stained glass and decorative arts.
Visitors can explore the lush gardens, stroll through the park, and admire the various buildings and structures on the premises. The estate also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts annually.
The House of the Owls
The House of the Owls was initially constructed in the early 20th century. It was designed by the architect Camillo Crescentini in collaboration with the artist-duo Galileo Chini and Paolo Paschetto. The building derives its name from the numerous owl motifs adorn its exterior, symbolizing wisdom and nocturnal beauty.
The House of the Owls architecture features curved lines, floral decorations, and stained glass windows, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. The interior is equally impressive, blending different materials, including marble, ceramics, and woodwork.
Today, the House of the Owls is a museum within Villa Torlonia. Visitors can explore its various rooms, which house a collection of decorative arts, including stained glass, ceramics, and period furnishings. In addition, the museum offers insights into the Art Nouveau movement and its influence on Italian design during the early 20th century.
Read also about Quartiere Coppede.
Useful Information
- Official website of the villa: www.museivillatorlonia.it
- You can buy tickets to the museums inside the mansion directly at the entrance. The prices vary from 6 to 12 euros.
- Metro: You can reach Villa Torlonia by taking Metro Line B (Blue Line) to the “Policlinico” station. From the metro to the entrance is approximately a 10-minute walk. Follow the signs or use a navigation app to guide you to the entrance of Villa Torlonia.
- Bus: Take one of the following bus routes that pass near Villa Torlonia: Bus lines 36, 90, 92, 223, 310, or N4 (night bus). Get off at the bus stop “Via Nomentana/Porta Pia” or “Via Nomentana/Piazza Buenos Aires,” depending on the bus route.
Interesting Facts about Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is indeed an intriguing place in Rome with a rich history. Here are some interesting facts about Villa Torlonia:
- Villa Torlonia was initially owned by the Torlonia family, prominent bankers in Rome. They acquired the villa in the early 19th century and transformed it into an opulent residence.
- The villa complex encompasses various architectural styles, including Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. The different buildings within the estate display a fascinating blend of these architectural influences.
- One of the most notable periods in Villa Torlonia’s history is when it served as the residence of Benito Mussolini, the dictator of Fascist Italy, from 1925 to 1943. Mussolini made significant alterations to the property, including adding a bunker beneath the villa.
- The underground bunker built by Mussolini still exists and can be visited as part of the museum. It provides a glimpse into the turbulent times of World War II and the role played by Villa Torlonia during that period.
- Today, Villa Torlonia houses two museums—the Casino dei Principi and the Casino Nobile. The Casino Nobile, the main villa, displays various artworks and furnishings from different historical periods. The Casino dei Principi is dedicated to the life and works of the poet and playwright Gabriele D’Annunzio.
- The villa features an expansive English-style garden covering around 12 hectares. The park is meticulously landscaped, and adorned with beautiful paths, fountains, and numerous plant species. It provides a serene and picturesque environment for visitors.
- Within the garden, you’ll find the Temple of Saturn, an ancient Roman-style temple. Giovanni Torlonia built it in the 19th century as a tribute to the Roman deity Saturn.
- Apart from the bunker beneath the villa, Mussolini also constructed an air-raid shelter within the grounds of Villa Torlonia. This reinforced structure protected him and his family during bombing raids.
- After years of neglect, Villa Torlonia underwent extensive restoration in the late 20th century. The restoration aimed to preserve the historical and architectural significance of the villa, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur and cultural value.
- Villa Torlonia often hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. These events allow visitors to engage with the villa’s rich heritage and experience the arts in a unique setting.
