Villa Farnese

Villa Farnese (Villa Caprarola) is a grand pentagonal Renaissance–Mannerist villa in Caprarola, Viterbo, about 50 km northwest of Rome. Built on the foundations of a 16th-century fortress planned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (later Pope Paul III), it was later transformed into a monumental residence by his grandson, who hired architect Vignola in 1559. The building dominates the town and was designed as a symbol of Farnese power.

The villa features a circular colonnaded courtyard, the famous spiral Scala Regia, and richly frescoed state apartments celebrating Farnese achievements. Rooms such as the Sala dei Fasti Farnesiani and the Room of the World Map are among its highlights.

Terraced Renaissance gardens surround the villa, complete with parterres, fountains, grottoes, and the smaller Casino, reached by a dramatic water staircase (catena d’acqua). The gardens influenced many 19th–20th century landscape designers.

Today the main villa is state-owned and open to the public, while the Casino serves as a residence of the President of Italy. The villa’s pentagonal form even inspired the design of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Address
Piazza Farnese 1, Caprarola, Italy

Established
16th century