Villa Medici: The most elegant Medici residence of Renaissance Rome

Villa Medici: The elegant Medici residence and its Italian Gardens

The whiteness and beauty of Villa Medici stands out at the top of the wonderful Spanish Steps, on the height of one of the 7 hills of Rome: the Pincio. The history of Villa Medici has its roots in ancient Rome, this place once hosted the residence and the wonderful gardens of Lucullus, hence the name of Horti Luculliani, the name of this famous Roman general is still linked today to the sumptuous banquets and parties that took place in his home. Subsequently, the consul Valerio Asiatico transformed the entire property into one of the most sumptuous residences in Rome, complete with lush gardens animated by fountains and a monumental nymphaeum.

The devastation of the barbarian period, following the fall of the empire meant that this place was abandoned until the 16th century when the villa was purchased by the Crescenzi family, but it was only in 1576 when the Villa passed to Cardinal Ferdinando de Medici, that the villa took on the appearance for which we can still admire it today, becoming one of the most fashionable places in Renaissance Rome. The guided tour includes an itinerary both inside the beautiful building and in the wonderful and vast Italian Garden in front of the villa, from which you can admire an enchanting view of the center of Rome.

Useful information for the guided tour of Villa Medici in Rome

Guided tour times: Guided tours are held every day from 10:00 to 18:30, except Tuesday that is the closing day

Accessibility: the Villa has an entrance and bathrooms accessible by wheelchair.

How to get to Villa Medici in Rome

Villa Medici is located on the Pincio hill, at the end of the Spanish Steps, exactly in Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1. The villa is well connected by public transport, you can get there by bus, subway and with a pleasant walk on foot.

Subway: The closest stops to Villa Medici are Piazza di Spagna and Barberini on Line A. If you arrive from Spagna, you can climb the Spanish Steps, if you arrive from Barberini the route is a flat straight road. In both cases the journey time is about 10 minutes. 

Bus: You have various bus options that stop in this area depending on which neighborhood you are arriving from. The means of transport we suggest you take is the minibus 119 that stops near the entrance, while the subway lines number: 62, 51 and 80 arrive nearby. 

On foot: Villa Medici is located in the heart of Rome so it is well suited to be reached on foot with a pleasant walk. 

Electric bicycles and scooters: if you want to use electric bicycles and scooters, the best place to rent them is Villa Borghese. Inside the villa there are various rental stations, the closest is the one on Pincio.

Car: the area is subject to limited traffic ZTL, so without a permit it is not accessible, parking nearby is very difficult. In the area there are various private paid parking. 

Useful tips about the guided tour of Villa Medici

How long is the guided tour of Villa Medici?
The proposed guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.

What will I see inside the guided tour of Villa Medici?
You will have the opportunity to visit the interiors and the fantastic and vast Italian gardens overlooking the villa, you will be guided by expert staff who will accompany you with passion and knowledge throughout the tour.

In what language is the tour conducted?
The languages in which the tours are conducted are Italian, English, French and Spanish.

How many people can participate in each tour?
Groups of people can be composed of a maximum of 25 users.

Is reservation necessary?
Yes, it is always necessary to book.

What happens if there is an exhibition in progress?
Villa Medici regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. In the event that an exhibition is set up during the guided tour, the entrance ticket will be included in the guided tour and you can collect it at the ticket office.

Curiosities about Villa Medici: the ghost of the Villa

In ancient Rome, when Consul Valerius Asiaticus transformed the Villa into one of the most sumptuous and lively of the time, Messalina, the wife of Emperor Claudius, seeing its beauty, decided to take possession of it. Having taken possession of the residence, she organized parties and banquets and it is said that in one of these, taking advantage of her husband's absence, she married a young Roman patrician. Upon his return, Emperor Claudius decided to kill her, and since then legend has it that Messalina's spirit has wandered around the extraordinary Italian gardens of Villa Medici.