The Villa and its History
|
|
The architecture of the Villa reflects the austere ideal of simplicity of the classical period. The front exhibits some discreet splendor with its arcades and pillars. A fine sculpture in white marble, portrait of a a noble lady, welcomes the visitors walking to the reception desk. |
Villa Roncalli has a long history. Conceived in 1690 as a hunting lodge with annexes, all surrounded by a park, it was given its actual shape and structure by Count Roncalli (1844-1910). He seems to have been quite an ambiguous romantic personality, citizen of Foligno, libertine, freedom fighter, Jesuit and director of the Institute of Applied Arts. Being a notorious gambler he is said to have played away the Villa together with the whole property. |