Villa Aurelia

Perched in a dominating position on the crest of the Janiculum Hill, Villa Aurelia, the property of the American Academy in Rome since 1909, reopened with a gala inauguration in May 2002 after three years of extensive restoration. With this reopening the Villa continues in its traditional role, hosting cultural events organised by the Academy such as concerts and conferences.

The beauty of the Villa gardens, the breathtaking view of Rome, and the variety of spaces available make Villa Aurelia an ideal location for high-level external events such as receptions, dinners and board meetings. In order to ensure that each and every event that takes place at Villa Aurelia is a very special and personal occasion, the Villa is rented out on an absolutely exclusive basis. Only one event is organised on any one day, and clients are free to choose the areas that best suit their purposes. Villa Aurelia is not held to using any particular supplier and this gives our guests the freedom to choose their own catering company, florists and musicians, and any other services they may think fit for the best possible result whether it be a private, public or company occasion.

Since the re-opening of Villa Aurelia, after restoration work was completed in 2002, this formula has enabled all our clients to make their chosen event a unique, personal and unforgettable occasion.

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Villa Aurelia, the property of the American Academy in Rome, from the time of its construction has assumed various names accompanying changes in ownership: Villa Farnese, Villa Borbone, Villa Giraud, Villa Savorelli, Villa Heyland. The Villa was built by Cardinal Girolamo Farnese (1599 – 1668) atop the Gianiculum, along the Aurelian walls close to Porta San Pancrazio. The property had belonged to Pope Paolo III as part of the Farnese family vineyards.

Villa Aurelia was recently restored by Studio Einaudi architects. The restoration effort was led on behalf of the American Academy in Rome – by Mercedes T. Bass (Trustee and Chair for the Villa Restoration), the American Academy in Rome Plant, Planning & Preservation Committee and Cristina Puglisi.

The restoration project also brought to light a small stretch of the Aurelian wall in the substructure of the Villa. The Einaudi project began in 2000 and was completed two years later. By May of 2002 Villa Aurelia was again one of the most suggestive and beautiful properties in Rome.