While the historic nobility of Rome may no longer hold the same station they once did, they left their noble legacy behind with their incredible private residences and villas.
A trip to Rome isn’t complete without visiting some of these important historic homes. Get the scoop on Villa Medici, Villa Farnesina, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Villa Torlonia, and Palazzo Spada.
1. Villa Medici
Perched atop the majestic Pincio Hill near the Spanish Steps with a spectacular view of Rome, Villa Medici is one of the most stunning examples of a 17th century country home that became urban through the expansion of the city. Vast gardens lay behind the villa populated with small homes that serve as artist studios for the French Academy of Art which has been situated in the villa for centuries.
For more information, have a look at our post dedicated to visiting Villa Medici.
Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1 (Piazza di Spagna)
Open Tue – Sun from 10am – 6pm
Tickets: €12
2. Villa Farnesina
A treasured piece of art and architecture with a storied past, Villa Farnesina located near the banks of the Tiber River in Trastevere is now the owned by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, an academy dedicated to moral and humanistic sciences. The palazzo is most well known for it’s stunning frescoes by Raphael Sanzio, including ceiling frescoes in several ground floor rooms, the loggia depicting the myth of Cupid and Psyche, and the Triumph of Galatea.
Via della Lungara, 230 (Trastevere)
Open Mon – Sat from 9am – 2pm, and every second Sunday of the month from 9am – 5pm
Tickets: €6
3. Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (Gallery)
Unlike the other Palazzo Pamphilj located in Piazza Navona that now houses the Brazilian Embassy, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj located on Via del Corso houses the extensive private collections of the family Pamphilj. The exquisitely decorated vaulted galleries serve as the exposition rooms, where internationally famous works are exhibited in lavishly decorated interiors. The layout of the 16th century palazzo is very much like a museum, with various rooms and wings being dedicated to different art collections, acquired through the marriages of different wealthy families.
Via del Corso, 35
Open daily from 9am – 7pm (last admission at 6pm)
Tickets: €12
4. Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is notoriously known as Mussolini’s homestead during the 1920s until 1943. The villa was designed by Giuseppe Valadier in Neoclassical style for the Torlonia family. The villa represents a high consideration for proportion, symmetry and classical details, set against an expansive park setting in the center of urban Rome. After Mussolini’s death, the villa was neglected and left in decay until it was purchased by the state in 1977 and opened to the public. The villa has been continuously undergoing restoration since the 1990s.
Via Nomentana, 70, 00161 (Nomentano)
Open Tue – Sun from 9am – 7pm
Tickets: €9.50
5. Palazzo Spada
The 17th century home for Cardinal Bernardino Spada, known as Palazzo Spada, is most well known for the modifications made to the building by Baroque architect Francesco Borromini. Most famously Borromini created an arched gallery with forced perspective to seem much longer than the space actually allowed. Galleria Spada, located inside the palazzo, features the private collection of Cardinal Spada.
Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13 (Campo de’ Fiori)
Open Wed – Monday from 8:30am – 7:30pm
Tickets: €6
Would you like to Live the History and Experience the Luxury?
The Costaguti Experience living room with museum-quality frescoes from the late 16th century.
Conquer Rome in complete comfort at the Costaguti Experience, a noble residence in the heart of the Jewish Neighborhood turned luxury accommodation. Under the experienced management of ROMAC, the Costaguti Experience is an accommodation unlike any other.
Five spacious bedrooms and 6 baths can accommodate up to 14 guests in over 300 sqm (3,200 sq ft). A spacious 70 sqm (750 sq ft) living room features a large dining table, decorative 17th century fireplace, comfortable seating and 65″ Smart TV, all under original 16th century frescoes by the notable Zuccari brothers. Other 17th century frescoes and design elements decorate the gilded, vaulted ceilings. Visit the dedicated website for this noble residence in Rome for booking and more information!
Is there another noble villa or residence in Rome that you think should be on this list? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
