Villa Medici
The basics
Located not far from Villa Borghese, the Villa Medici property had been a vineyard before construction on the lavish palace began in 1540; after its purchase by the Medici cardinal in 1576, the palace and gardens were completed with spectacular frescoes and statues. Napoleon acquired the villa at the beginning of the 19th century, and it continues to be the seat of Rome’s French Academy, where French-speaking artists and scholars are invited for year-long residencies.
The villa also hosts regular art exhibitions, musical performances, and open-air cinema events. If you’re already acquainted with Rome’s main attractions and would like to explore a lesser-known sight in the city, join a guided tour of Villa Medici. Otherwise, walking tours of the highlights near Rome’s Villa Borghese public gardens often include a stop to take in the palace from outside.
Things to know before you go
- Lovers of Renaissance architecture and art will especially enjoy touring this spectacular urban villa and its surrounding grounds.
- Touring the buildings and gardens requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
- The palace and gardens are partially accessible to wheelchairs; confirm accessibility in advance.
- The villa offers spectacular views of Rome from above, so be sure to bring your camera.
How to get there
Villa Medici is located on Viale della Trinità dei Monti, on the Pincian Hill overlooking Rome. Take metro line A to the Spagna station or walk to Piazza di Spagna, where you can climb the Spanish Steps to reach Viale della Trinità dei Monti.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Villa Medici is open from Wednesday through Monday and offers four tours in English each day. One of the main draws of the villa are the Renaissance gardens, which are particularly picturesque in spring and fall.
Treasures of Villa Medici
Villa Medici is home to a trove of Renaissance painting and sculpture. Highlights include the palace’s internal facade overlooking the gardens, which is adorned with copies of classical sculpture including Giambologna’s Mercury; the sumptuous Cardinal’s apartment; the Loggia; and the Bosco Studio. The vast grounds include manicured gardens, orchards, historic umbrella pines, and a number of fountains and statues.
- Trinità dei Monti
- Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
- Keats-Shelley House
- Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia)
- Piazza di Spagna
- Via Condotti (Via dei Condotti)
- Antico Caffè Greco
- Rome Via del Corso
- Pincio Gardens (Pincio)
- Basilica di Sant'Andrea delle Fratte
- Piazza del Popolo
- Rome Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Museo Leonardo da Vinci)
- Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins (Santa Maria della Concezione dei Capucchini)
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo)
- Via Veneto (Via Vittorio Veneto)