Villa Farnese (Caprarola)
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 17 January 2024
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The Villa Farnese in Caprarola is one of the most beautiful, yet relatively little-known sights in the whole Lazio region. Not to be confused with the Villa Farnesina in nearby Rome, it's a glorious palace created in the Mannerist and Renaissance styles.
Dominating the small town of Caprarola, its map room, monumental staircase and huge gardens are of particular interest. |
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In recent years, Villa Farnese has been used as a filming location for a number of hit TV shows about the Italian Renaissance, including Medici Masters of Florence and the 2021 series Leonardo starring Aidan Turner.
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Villa Farnese in Caprarola, also known as Villa Farnese Caprarola or Villa Farnese Lazio, is a stunning Renaissance villa located in the town of Caprarola, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy. It is renowned for its exceptional architecture, impressive frescoes, and beautiful gardens. The villa is one of the most important examples of Italian Renaissance architecture and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Villa Farnese is perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Caprarola and the surrounding countryside. It was commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who later became Pope Paul III, in the mid-16th century. The construction of the villa was overseen by the architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, who created a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
The villa is characterized by its pentagonal shape, which is rare in Renaissance villas. It is surrounded by a defensive wall with five bastions, giving it the appearance of a fortress. The interior of the villa is adorned with elaborate frescoes by various artists, depicting mythological and historical scenes, making it an outstanding example of Mannerist art.
One of the most impressive spaces within the villa is the Sala dei Fasti Farnesiani (Hall of the Farnese Deeds), which features a stunning cycle of frescoes celebrating the achievements of the Farnese family.
The villa's gardens are equally remarkable, featuring terraced gardens, fountains, statues, and beautifully landscaped areas that provide a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Villa Farnese is perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Caprarola and the surrounding countryside. It was commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who later became Pope Paul III, in the mid-16th century. The construction of the villa was overseen by the architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, who created a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
The villa is characterized by its pentagonal shape, which is rare in Renaissance villas. It is surrounded by a defensive wall with five bastions, giving it the appearance of a fortress. The interior of the villa is adorned with elaborate frescoes by various artists, depicting mythological and historical scenes, making it an outstanding example of Mannerist art.
One of the most impressive spaces within the villa is the Sala dei Fasti Farnesiani (Hall of the Farnese Deeds), which features a stunning cycle of frescoes celebrating the achievements of the Farnese family.
The villa's gardens are equally remarkable, featuring terraced gardens, fountains, statues, and beautifully landscaped areas that provide a peaceful and picturesque setting.
History
Villa Farnese was built between 1559 and 1575 for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, a powerful member of the Farnese family. The villa was intended as a symbol of the family's prestige and power. The Farnese family was one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Renaissance Italy, and they had strong ties to the papacy.
Throughout the centuries, the villa changed ownership and underwent various restorations. Today, it is owned by the Italian state and is open to the public as a museum and historical site.
Throughout the centuries, the villa changed ownership and underwent various restorations. Today, it is owned by the Italian state and is open to the public as a museum and historical site.
Key features and nearby attractions
- Opening Hours: The villa is generally open to the public throughout the year. The specific opening hours may vary depending on the season, so it's advisable to check the official website before planning your visit.
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the villa and its gardens. Different ticket options are available for various areas of the villa.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are often available for visitors who wish to learn more about the villa's history, architecture, and artwork.
- Photography: Photography is usually allowed inside the villa, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve the frescoes.
- Accessibility: The villa is generally accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. However, some areas may have limited access due to the historic nature of the building and gardens.
Palazzo Farnese a Caprarola
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Location: Caprarola
Province: Viterbo Region: Lazio Built: 16th century Architectural style: Renaissance Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 1 hour 19 minutes by car (74 km) Close by: Lake Vico, Carbognano, Ronciglione, Fabrica di Roma Recommended accommodation: Hotel La Bella Venere (6 km) |
