Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina on the bank of the Tiber River in Trastevere is one of the hidden gems of Rome. Very few tourists find their way to this Renaissance 16th century home of Agostino Chigi, a banker from Siena. This month I was back there again with my Italian language class.

One of the ceilings depicts the position of the stars

at the moment Agostino Chigi was born.

Vulcan, the god of fire, was often painted on fireplace walls

This fresco by Raphael is one of the villa's masterpieces.

We were surprised to find the Room of the Frieze opened after being closed for many years while it was being restored. This part of the frieze shows the labors of Hercules. It is reported that if you needed a loan from Mr. Chigi, you sat at a table facing him with the mighty accomplishments of Hercules over his head. (He was a man of power!)

To see my previous posting about this villa CLICK HERE.