Villa Aldobrandini Officially Joins Rome Capital’s Heritage: What You Need to Know
Rome, Lazio, Italy – The historic Villa Aldobrandini, a magnificent 16th-century edifice nestled between Via Nazionale and Largo Magnanapoli, has officially been acquired by Rome Capital. This significant transfer, finalized with the signing of the deed from the State Property Agency to the Municipality, marks a new chapter for one of Rome’s most important cardinal villas.
Why is this acquisition important?
The acquisition of Villa Aldobrandini is part of a broader cultural federalism process, enabling local authorities to take ownership of state assets. This initiative, which includes the development of a comprehensive valorization plan, aims to integrate these historical sites into wider urban regeneration projects. Similar to Villa Sciarra, Villa Aldobrandini will be managed to promote its use in alignment with the city’s vision for cultural and social enrichment.
A Glimpse into the Villa’s Rich History
Originally owned by the Vitelli family, who acquired it from the Genoese Grimaldi family, Villa Aldobrandini came into the possession of Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini around 1600. Over the centuries, the villa changed hands numerous times, passing through the Aldobrandini-Pamphilj and Borghese-Aldobrandini branches. In 1811, during the Napoleonic occupation, it was transferred to Alessandro Miollis, the governor of Rome, before returning to the Aldobrandini family. Finally, in 1926, it was incorporated into the Italian State. The journey towards its current public ownership began in April 2023, with the announcement of a project to redevelop the villa’s vegetation.
Future Plans: Valorization and Restoration
A comprehensive valorization plan is already underway, spearheaded by the Capitoline Department for Environmental Protection. This ambitious project, backed by a total funding of 1.6 million euros, includes several key initiatives:
- Restoration of 16th-century loggias: The historic loggias, dating back to the 16th century, will undergo meticulous restoration to preserve their architectural integrity.
- Construction of a coffee house: A new coffee house will be built on the terrace overlooking Trajan’s Column, offering visitors a unique vantage point and a place to relax.
- Renewal of arboreal and vegetational components: The plan includes a significant renewal of the villa’s plant life, aiming to restore the original design of its gardens.
- Restoration of the ‘secret garden’: The iconic ‘secret garden’ will be brought back to its former glory with the planting of approximately 20 bitter orange trees.
- Restoration of the camellia garden: The camellia garden will also be restored according to the villa’s original layout.
Statements from City Officials
Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment, and Waste Cycle, emphasized the importance of this acquisition: “The acquisition of Villa Aldobrandini’s property is a fundamental step that ensures the maximum valorization of this common good, benefiting the entire community. Thanks to the complete renovation and philological recovery of its hanging garden, Villa Aldobrandini will become a space for sociality and a new tourist destination. The management of services will be guaranteed through a public-private partnership, a tool that, like collaboration agreements, the Administration is adopting as an effective model in the shared care of our city’s historic parks and villas.”
Massimiliano Smeriglio, Councillor for Culture, added, “We are happy that a new space with great cultural potential is becoming part of Rome Capital’s heritage. With a section dedicated to exhibitions and cultural activities, Villa Aldobrandini will enhance the offerings for all Romans, and we hope it will become another vibrant place in the city.”
Tobia Zevi, Councillor for Heritage and Housing Policies, highlighted the new phase for the historic site: “With the annexation of Villa Aldobrandini to Rome Capital’s heritage, a new phase begins for one of the most significant places in the historic center. This initiates a valorization project based on cultural federalism, already successfully tested, which focuses on openness, care, and real fruition. Cultural spaces, a coffee house, and public services restore to the city an asset that for too long remained largely inaccessible. Public heritage regains its function when it ceases to be a backdrop and returns to being a space lived by people.”
What this means for residents and tourists:
- Increased accessibility: The villa, previously less accessible, will now be open to the public, providing a new cultural and recreational space.
- Enhanced cultural offerings: Dedicated spaces for exhibitions and cultural activities will enrich Rome’s vibrant cultural scene.
- New tourist attraction: The restored gardens, historic loggias, and the new coffee house are expected to attract both local and international visitors.
- Community engagement: The public-private partnership model aims to foster shared responsibility and community involvement in the care and management of the villa.
This acquisition and the subsequent valorization project underscore Rome Capital’s commitment to preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage while making it accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_07/villa-aldobrandini-entra-ufficialmente-nel-patrimonio-di-roma-capitale-concluso-il-procedimento-di-acquisizione-4641e8d4-e3f4-4632-9573-963753320xlk.shtml
