The Villa Altieri in the Esquilino district in Rome was built towards the end of the 17th century. The architect was Giovan Antonio de Rossi. Since 1975 the villa has been property of the Province of Rome.
History and description
Construction of the Villa Altieri was probably commissioned by a nephew of Pope Clemens X, Paluzzo Altieri. He had given the architect the task to turn what was then not more then a country cottage into an impressive villa.
De Rossi had earlier designed the Palazzo Altieri near the Chiesa del Gesù, which belonged to the same family.
In 1975 the building became property of the Province of Rome. Before that it regularly changed ownership. In the course of its history it was used as a women’s prison, a convent for nuns and a school.
What to see
The gardens that were part of the villa have completely disappeared. Some parts of the 17th century villa are still there however, including tuff stone rocks and some classical architectural elements. A fountain decorated with statues of tritons and delphins is not visible from the street.
Two coats-of-arms of the Altieri family can still be seen, one of which surmounted by the papal tiara.
What to know before your visit
The address of the Villa Altieri is Viale Manzoni, 47 – Rome. Metro: Manzoni (line A). The Villa Altieri is not open for visitors and can only be seen from outside.
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