VILLA GIULIA, Building

You've made an excellent choice coming here: it's both a museum dedicated to the fascinating and exciting theme of the ancient and mysterious Etruscan civilization, and Villa Giulia is of the utmost splendor, a true Renaissance masterpiece. Just outside the circle of Aurelian walls that surround Rome's historic center, and on the edge of the enchanting park of Villa Borghese, Villa Giulia was originally built as Pope Julius III's country house, and was a palace worthy of his rank that he used to relax and host parties.

It was built in 1551 with the collaboration of Vasari and special consultancy of Michelangelo. Notice the sharp contrast between the austere façade facing the city, which looks like a rigid square block, and the scenic effect of the three courtyards opening up onto the inner garden. Between the villa and the garden, where some Etruscan tombs have been rebuilt, an elegant semi-circular space opens up with a fountain surrounded by sculptures; this was the pope's favorite place thanks to the refreshing water and absolutely beautiful setting. This is the famous nymphaeum, which in ancient times was a temple or a fountain dedicated to the protective river nymphs, which was one of the frequent classical architecture themes used in Renaissance villas and gardens. Villa Giulia is on three floors with loggias and is enriched by a mosaic floor and four statues that serve as columns. The idea to harmoniously integrate the interior and exterior with a semicircular space was inspired by the project that Raphael had designed for Villa Madama on the slopes of Monte Mario.

The palace is decorated with a beautiful series of frescoes on the ground floor and upper floors. You will especially like the long semicircular hallway decorated with many illusions that make it look like a... pergola. In the Room of the Seven Hills you'll see delicate landscapes set in ornate frames with festoons of flowers and fruit.

FUN FACT: Villa Giulia's terraces host various cultural events, especially in the summer, which include the proclamation of the most important Italian literary prize known as the "Strega", or Witch.