Villa Farnesina

A hidden gem in Trastevere. The Raphael frescoes are amazing. I loved all the fruits. We visited in March and all the citrus trees in their beautiful garden were full of fruit, and parrots. The Villa is very near the Rome Botanical Garden and visiting the two makes for a lovely afternoon.

A must visit in Rome! There were barely any people and closed around 2pm on a Friday but the art and the history of the villa was amazing. Only 7€ entry for a great experience and a place to hide away from the summer heat.

Not suitable for kids, but it is a nice break for you walking around Rome. You need to pay only for adults (>18).

Tucked away in the quieter Trastevere district, Villa Farnesina is one of Rome’s most stunning yet underrated treasures. While most visitors flock to the grandeur of the Vatican Museums, this exquisite 16th-century villa offers something different—an intimate glimpse into the opulence and artistic brilliance of the Renaissance, without the overwhelming crowds. Commissioned by the wealthy Sienese banker Agostino Chigi, Villa Farnesina was designed as a pleasure palace, an escape from the bustle of the city. But what truly makes it special are the breathtaking frescoes inside. The star attraction? Raphael’s “Triumph of Galatea”, a vibrant depiction of the sea nymph riding across the waves, surrounded by playful cherubs. It’s a masterpiece of movement and myth, a testament to Raphael’s genius. The adjacent Loggia of Cupid and Psyche, painted by Raphael’s workshop, is a visual feast, covering the ceiling with intricate mythological scenes that feel almost alive. Beyond Raphael, the villa is adorned with works by Sebastiano del Piombo, Peruzzi, and Sodoma, each contributing to the villa’s immersive artistic atmosphere. Walking through its frescoed halls, it’s easy to imagine the lavish banquets once held here, where popes, artists, and noblemen dined under celestial paintings. Practical Information: 🕰 Opening Hours: • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Closed on Sundays and holidays. 💶 Tickets: • €12 for general admission • €9 for EU citizens aged 18-25 • Free for visitors under 18 It’s a small price to pay for stepping into a world of Renaissance beauty. A visit to Villa Farnesina is a wonderful way to slow down and appreciate the artistic heart of Rome. With its peaceful garden, fewer tourists, and jaw-dropping frescoes, it’s a place where you can truly breathe in history. If you love Renaissance art but want a break from the crowds, this is the perfect hidden gem to explore.

Nice reprieve from the usual crowded tourist sites in Rome/vatican City. Small enough ( took about an hour) to leisurely walk around w zero crowds. Garden was peaceful & on a warm day breezes felt cool sitting under the trees . Close enough to walk from St peters w many restaurants / shops nearby too.

Famous for its exceptional frescoes created by artists like Raphael, which depict mythological scenes. It also features elegant gardens offering a beautiful view of the city. Too bad the price is too high.

This is one of the nicest Villa’s I’ve ever visited. It’s very unique architecture and design make it a really genuine place. It can be busy at times, so check the times. There are plenty of great works of art to see, there are lots of nice, statues, paintings and artifacts. The collection is very well preserved and displayed. The grounds are very well kept and maintained, there’s lots to see and do in and around this area. I really enjoyed my time here and I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Beautiful villa with amazing ceilings and fresco by Rafael. The garden is also beautiful with an interesting botanical garden.

A lovely small museum. Lots of explanatory material for the artwork. No crowds. Highly recommended. €19 for 2

I have never been to so many museums as I have this trip. This one is a lot smaller than the others I've seen this trip. But it's charming and for €6, a little steep. Especially since all the art is waaaaaaay up in the ceiling. Easy to get through without a guide though. I think it's a must visit for Rafael fans.

While this may not necessarily be a 'must see' item on most traveler's itineraries, it's worth a stop if you have time & want to go a little off the beaten path. The villa isn't very big so you can browse the interior and rooms as well as stroll around the gardens in 2 hours, or less. It certainly has some very interesting history behind it. There are some really amazing frescoes in most rooms and the architecture/ceilings are quite beautiful.