Villa del Cardinale

Villa del Cardinale in Rocca di Papa
Immersed in the greenery of a centuries-old park on the shores of Lake Albano, Villa del Cardinale is steeped in art and archaeology. Its authentic style and historical atmosphere have been beautifully preserved, combined with a host of modern and refined touches. The 20 rooms in the Villa and 14 in the Borghetto are all equipped with every conceivable comfort.

One of the Villa’s highlights lies in its customised “express” cuisine: every menu that is prepared on site consists of a careful selection of traditional Italian dishes, enhanced by the Chef’s unique flavours. The elegant halls and picturesque outdoor spaces can accommodate up to 240 people. The conference rooms, awash with natural light and equipped with essential technical equipment, can host a maximum of 170 people. There are several intimate indoor and outdoor spaces, while the lounges and terraces offer superb views of the lake. The complex also houses a number of additional buildings (the Villa, the Borghetto, the Stables, and Punta San Michele) which are suitable for organising any kind of event, meeting and reception, according to individual requirement.

The history of Villa del Cardinale
The Villa was built in 1629 by Cardinal Gerolamo Colonna on land donated to him by Pope Urban VIII Barberini, who loved to enjoy his great passion for hunting on these lands. The structure was designed by architect Antonio Del Grande, to whom the Cathedral of Rocca di Papa and the Church of San Barnaba in Marino are also attributed.

The entire complex stands on the remains of a patrician villa, traces of which are still evident today: there are columns, capitals and friezes to be found all around the property. According to historical sources, Roman consuls and commanders used to gather here to mark the start of the so-called ‘Feriae Latinae’, religious festivities dedicated to the Latin god Jupiter Latiaris for victories achieved in battle.
With the arrival of Prince Egidio, the third son of the Colonna family and the Cardinal’s younger brother, the Villa began to welcome various illustrious guests. The Prince would organise majestic celebrations in honour of the papal court at Castel Gandolfo, offering his hospitality to the many Popes who succeeded each other in the 17th century.

Every single stone and particle in this glorious location jealously preserves memories of distant times gone by, and thanks to its long history, architectural beauty and natural surroundings, the Villa continues to embody the words of Petrolini, who described it as “one of the most stunning villas in the Castelli Romani region”.

Facilities and services at Villa del Cardinale in Castelli Romani
 24-hour reception, ample parking restaurant, free Wi-Fi, walking trails and itineraries,  shuttle service on request, amenities in the rooms: bathroom, TV, minibar.