The Villa Spada is a historic building in the Trastevere district in Rome. It was constructed in the 17th century. It plays an important role in Italian history, since it was Garibaldi‘s headquarters during the fight against Napoleon’s troops. Nowadays it is the seat of the Irish Embassy in Rome.
A brief history of the Villa Spada in Rome
The Villa Spada was built in 1639 by the architect Francesco Baratta, who had been commissioned by Vincenzo Nobili to do so. The name Villa Spada, however, was not used until 1749, when Prince Don Giuseppe Spada Varalli acquired the property.
In 1849, after the Villa Savorelli had been destroyed, the Villa Spada became Garibaldi‘s headquarters, which of course made it the next target of the French troops. Despite brave resistance by Garibaldi and his colonel Luciano Manara they lost the battle. The day after Manara was killed, his Bersaglieri (“Archers”) surrendered (June 30th).
Later, the Villa was completely reconstructed, using the original architectural design.
What to see
An inscription commemorates the fact that the Emperor August had managed to lead water to the Villa by means of the Alsietino Aqueduct.
What to know before your visit
Address: Via Giacomo Medici 1, Rome. Phone: +39 06 5852381. Opening hours embassy: Monday to friday from 9:15 to 13:00 and 14:15 to 17:30;
Passport Office: Monday to friday from 10:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 16:30;
Visa Office: Monday, wednesday and friday from 10:00 to 12:30. More information on the Irish Embassy in Rome website. (The villa is not open for sight-seeing.)
Leave a Reply