Villa Aurelia in Rome
 

I was lucky enough to be invited to a wedding in Rome several years ago, and the reception was at the stunning Villa Aurelia on the Janiculum Hill in Rome (I think there may be a hotel by the same name--that's not the place). It is an amazing space owned by the American Academy in Rome. My husband and I will be in Rome this May and I would love to visit the Villa Aurelia and its gardens again. I understand it generally is not open to the public, but I've also read that they have concerts and other cultural events there. Does anyone know if these events are open to the public and if so, how can I find out about them (the V.A. website does not seem to provide that info--at least not this far in advance)? Have not found anything with a Google search.

Thanks!

Unless things have changed since this article appeared in the NY Times (see page 2 of article), the Villa does not seem to be open to the public except for special events.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/07/15...footsteps.html

"Unless you're a well-connected artist or writer fortunate enough to win a fellowship at the American Academy or a visitor savvy enough to snag one of the occasional tours or arrange ahead for an appointment, you can pretty much forget about getting past the locked gate to the main campus. The Villa Aurelia, however, has its own locked grounds across the street — and there the public is occasionally welcome for lectures and concerts. On summer nights, the perfume of the garden and the view of Rome are unforgettable."

Here's the website for the American Academy if you want to check their calendar or contact them. Events appear not to be announced very far in advance.

http://www.aarome.org/

Hi RM - Their website has a contact address for info (- and a photo gallery :) )

http://www.villaaurelia.it/allestimento.cfm

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thanks for your responses, Jean and Steve. I had already seen the NY times article that you mention and the V.A./American Academy website--and, as you point out, they both say that the V.A. hosts concerts and cultural events. What I'm wondering is whether there is some other website that actually has a schedule of these events (and which confirms that they are open to the public). And unfortunately the V.A./American Academy website does not have this information--except for lectures, etc. that have already occurred or are coming up in the next week or so. I guess maybe I'll just have to check there again as it gets closer to my trip.

Ask your hotel if they know anything about public access.

You could send an email to the New York address of the "Friends" and ask about access. Seems as though the Friends group receive a calendar of events in Rome. It doesn't seem to say if these events are restricted to members.

Thanks Jean and CW--both excellent suggestions.

I say it might not hurt to mention that you once attended a wedding there and how you are longing to REvisit.

Just a thought.