Villa Farnesina Rome
Renaissance splendour
Touristy Trastevere is full of signs pointing you towards Villa Farnesina. The museum is mentioned in most guide books. And yet, whenever I go, there’s hardly anyone there. If you’ve already visited the Vatican Museums and resented having to push through the crowds to admire Raphael’s frescoes, this is your chance to experience Raphael in peace and tranquillity, in a gorgeous Renaissance villa.
Villa Farnesina belonged to the Renaissance banker Agostino Chigi, one of the wealthiest men in Europe. He could afford to hire some of the greatest artists of the day to decorate his riverside villa, so no expense was spared. Raphael and his workshop painted the festive “Cupid and Psyche” in the room where Chigi hosted celebrations and theatrical events, as well as “The Triumph of Galatea”; there were rumours that the beautiful nymph was based on Imperia, Chigi’s courtesan lover.
The few people who come are there to see the Raphael frescoes, but every room in the villa is spectacular. My favourite is the Hall of Perspectives on the first floor, a magical room which blends urban and rural landscape and architecture, glimpsed between illusionary columns. Look out for the graffiti on the walls, written by soldiers during the Sacking of Rome in 1527.
About this spot
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
Gelateria Fassi
A space for your dreams
"Gelateria Fassi" in Rome is a historical gelato shop almost all locals know. The atmosphere takes you back in time, and it's open 24/7, too!
by
Max
Giudice
Al Gallo Rosso
Where pizza becomes lifestyle
"Al Gallo Rosso" in Rome is loud, informal and sincere. The perfect pizzeria to take your friends for some arrosticini to enjoy the company of each other!
by
Max
Giudice
Parco della Caffarella
Roman countryside
"Parco della Caffarella" in Rome has been my gym, my mountain, my restaurant, my first date. I wouldn't be the same today without this piece of nature...
by
Max
Giudice
Caffè Ciamei
Oldest license for coffee in Rome
"Caffè Ciamei" has the oldest coffee license in Rome and it's still one of my favorite places in town to get a cup. Try their cremina instead of sugar!
by
Max
Giudice
Via dei Cappellari
Like in old Rome
"Via dei Cappellari" is a little side street that is completely reminiscent of the Old Rome, with its staying away from the logic of profit...
by
Max
Giudice
Porta s. Sebastiano
Like a Roman soldier
"Porta s. Sebastiano" used to be an ancient entrance to the city of Rome. Today, you can walk along the walls and enjoy the stunning views...
by
Max
Giudice
SiTenne
Dressing the past
"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here
by
Rudy
Di Giacomo
CSOA eXSnia
Fight for a better Rome
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
Matteo
Mueller-Thies
Osteria Dar Bruttone
In the name of tradition
"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...
by
Max
Giudice
Cecilia Metella's Tomb
A peaceful garden
"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...
by
Max
Giudice
Pasticceria Boccione
Historic Jewish bakery
"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Heading to Rome?
152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 152 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Rome
Get to know our other Spotters from Rome
As featured on:
