VIGNOLA, Giacomo da
(b. 1507, Vignola, Bologna, d. 1573, Roma)

Exterior view

1551-55
Photo
Villa Giulia, Rome

The Villa Giulia was built in 1551 at the request of Pope Julius III (1550-1555) who called on three eminent architects: Vasari, Vignola and Ammanati. The villa has a first inner courtyard with a semicircular portico whose vault is frescoed. The wall paintings imitate an arbour full of vine shoots, roses and jasmine.

In 1552, Bartolomeo Ammanati created a second space with a loggia with a horseshoe staircase, a nymphaeum with rock gardens, false caves and caryatids, all decorated with Roman sculptures.

The photo shows the entrance.

View the ground plan and section of Villa Giulia, Rome.