This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

Villa Medici is on Pincio hill, in Rome, built by Roman general Lucio Lucinio Lucullo along with his gardens on a huge estate. Later on, a large terraced garden was added, with a vast nymphaeum overlooking Trinità dei Monti, and dominated by a temple dedicated to “Dea Fortuna” (“Goddess of Luck”). The Villa remained an imperial property until the third century AD, then the estate was occupied by the Pinci patrician family, hence the name of the hill.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the place was abandoned as it was too far from the city centre.

In 1564, the land was purchased by Cardinal Giovanni Ricci from Montepulciano. There was only a small building, called “Casina Crescenzi”, and some ancient remains, such as the temple of “Dea Fortuna”. Cardinal Ricci thus commissioned an impressive abode, built by integrating a part of the existing structures.

Ferdinando de ’Medici bought the land in 1576 and asked architect Bartolomeo Ammannati to transform the residence into a magnificent palace. A lover of antiquities, Ferdinando conceived the Villa as a museum; he set up a gallery, to exhibit his collection of ancient works and had a series of classical bas-reliefs inserted in the façade on the garden. The park was built with spectacular effects as well, featuring several rare plants and many ancient works. The ruins of the Temple of the Goddess of Fortune were buried to make room for a belvedere – the Parnassus – offering a breath-taking view of most of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The 18-acre garden still retains its original, centuries-old appearance. Divided into sixteen squares and six parterres, It was originally built within terraces, walls, and the vineyard of Santa Maria del Popolo. Served by a thorough watering system, the garden was embellished with several pools and fountains.
Many of the maritime pines (Pinus pinaster) were planted, adding an extra special touch to this beautiful place.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)