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Villa Torlonia is a historic estate located in Rome. It was originally owned by the Torlonia family, a distinguished Italian noble lineage. Over the years, the villa and its surrounding grounds have undergone substantial renovation and are now open to the public as both a museum and a public park.
History of Villa Torlonia
The estate was initially owned by the Colonna family, one of Rome’s ancient noble dynasties, in the 16th century. In the early 19th century, the property was purchased by Giovanni Torlonia, a wealthy banker and prominent member of the Torlonia family.
Under Giovanni Torlonia’s ownership, the estate underwent extensive expansion and renovation, transforming it into a refined neoclassical residence. The renowned architect Giuseppe Valadier was commissioned to design and construct the villa’s main building, the Casino Nobile.
In the late 19th century, Marino Torlonia, Giovanni’s son, further expanded the estate, adding several notable structures including the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) in the Art Nouveau style.
During the 20th century, Villa Torlonia became closely associated with Benito Mussolini, Italy’s fascist dictator. In 1925, Mussolini acquired the villa from the Torlonia family and used it as his official residence in Rome. He made numerous alterations to the estate, including the construction of a bunker and a private airstrip.
Following the Second World War, the villa passed through various hands and eventually fell into a state of neglect. In the late 1970s, however, the City of Rome acquired the property and launched a comprehensive restoration project.
Today, Villa Torlonia is open to the public as a museum and public park. The buildings and landscaped grounds have been carefully restored, offering visitors the chance to enjoy its architectural elegance, tranquil gardens, and historically rich art collections.
Read also about Villa Borghese Gardens.
What to See in Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is celebrated for its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens. The main villa, Casino Nobile, is a striking neoclassical mansion with ornate interiors. It was once the official residence of Mussolini during his dictatorship.
The estate also features several unique buildings, including the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls), famed for its Art Nouveau style, and a museum dedicated to stained glass and the decorative arts.
Visitors can enjoy the lush gardens, take a leisurely walk through the park, and admire the various architectural gems across the estate. Villa Torlonia also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts throughout the year.
The House of the Owls
The House of the Owls was originally constructed in the early 20th century. It was designed by the architect Camillo Crescentini, in collaboration with artists Galileo Chini and Paolo Paschetto. The building gets its name from the numerous owl motifs that adorn its façade, symbolising wisdom and nocturnal elegance.
The architecture of the House of the Owls is distinguished by its curved lines, floral embellishments, and stained glass windows—hallmarks of the Art Nouveau movement. The interior is equally captivating, featuring a harmonious blend of marble, ceramics, and intricate woodwork.
Today, the House of the Owls functions as a museum within Villa Torlonia. Visitors can explore its eclectic rooms, which house a stunning collection of decorative arts, including stained glass, ceramics, and period furnishings. The museum also provides insight into the Art Nouveau style and its impact on early 20th-century Italian design.
Read also about Quartiere Coppedè.
Useful Information
- Official website of the villa: www.museivillatorlonia.it
- You can purchase tickets to the museums within the estate directly at the entrance. Prices range from €6 to €12.
- Metro: Take Metro Line B (Blue Line) to “Policlinico” station. From there, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to Villa Torlonia. Follow signs or use a navigation app to reach the entrance.
- Bus: Bus routes 36, 90, 92, 223, 310, and N4 (night service) all stop near Villa Torlonia. Disembark at “Via Nomentana/Porta Pia” or “Via Nomentana/Piazza Buenos Aires”, depending on the route.
Interesting Facts about Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is a fascinating location in Rome with a storied past. Here are some interesting facts:
- Villa Torlonia was originally owned by the Torlonia family, renowned bankers in Rome, who acquired it in the early 19th century and transformed it into a lavish residence.
- The estate showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. This blend is evident across the villa’s different buildings.
- One of the most notable chapters in its history was when it became the official residence of Benito Mussolini, the Fascist dictator, from 1925 to 1943. He carried out numerous modifications, including the construction of a bunker beneath the villa.
- The underground bunker created by Mussolini still exists and is open to visitors. It offers an insight into the villa’s wartime function and the historical context of the era.
- Today, Villa Torlonia houses two main museums—the Casino dei Principi and the Casino Nobile. Casino Nobile exhibits artworks and period furnishings, while Casino dei Principi is dedicated to the life and legacy of the poet and playwright Gabriele D’Annunzio.
- The estate includes a vast English-style garden covering approximately 12 hectares. This beautifully landscaped park features walking paths, fountains, and a wide variety of plant species.
- Within the gardens is the Temple of Saturn, designed in a classical Roman style. It was built in the 19th century by Giovanni Torlonia as a tribute to the Roman god Saturn.
- In addition to the main bunker, Mussolini also constructed an air-raid shelter within the grounds to protect his family during air raids.
- After a period of neglect, Villa Torlonia underwent major restoration works in the late 20th century, preserving its historical and architectural significance for future generations.
- Villa Torlonia regularly hosts cultural events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and theatre performances, offering visitors a dynamic way to engage with the site’s heritage.
