Project Description
Villa Farnesina
Duration: 1hrs 30 mins
One of the most beautiful villas of the Renaissance, painted by Raphael and his pupils. It was built by the great architect Peruzzi for the wealthiest, sixteenth century Italian banker, Agostino Chigi. The Loggia of Galatea takes its name from one of the most famous frescoes by Raphael; under the semblance of vague mythology, the vaulted ceiling of the Loggia hides the horoscope of the owner.
In the Hall of perspectives, painted by Peruzzi, the walls still show the insults engraved by the Protestant Lanzichenecchi mercenaries, who sacked Rome in 1527. The masterpiece is the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche, painted by Raphael’s workshop. The vaulted ceiling tells the story of the beautiful Psyche, while fruit festoons hide secret messages, sometimes even erotic. One of the masterpieces of the Renaissance that miraculously survived.