Fodor's Expert Review Villa Aldobrandini
Editor's Note: This location is reported to be under new ownership and therefore this review may contain inaccuracies.
Frascati was a retreat of prelates and princes who built magnificent villas, the most spectacular being the 16th-century Villa Aldobrandini, which dominates the town's main square from atop its steeply sloped park. The villa is still home to members of the family for which it is named, meaning the gorgeous residence isn't open for touring, but luckily the garden is a public park. Stroll along sweeping pathways lined with stone balustrades, box hedges, and the baroque Teatro d'Acqua—the sort of showy sculpture group with water features that was a must-have garden adornment for every 16th-century millionaire, in this case Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini, Pope Clement VIII's favorite nephew. The half circle of sculptures of mythical figures that adorn the "theater" reflect the grandeur and wealth of a prince of the church who thought nothing of diverting the entire water supply of the surrounding area to make his fountains perform. These days the fountains only play on special occasions.... READ MORE
Frascati was a retreat of prelates and princes who built magnificent villas, the most spectacular being the 16th-century Villa Aldobrandini, which dominates the town's main square from atop its steeply sloped park. The villa is still home to members of the family for which it is named, meaning the gorgeous residence isn't open for touring, but luckily the garden is a public park. Stroll along sweeping pathways lined with stone balustrades, box hedges, and the baroque Teatro d'Acqua—the sort of showy sculpture group with water features that was a must-have garden adornment for every 16th-century millionaire, in this case Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini, Pope Clement VIII's favorite nephew. The half circle of sculptures of mythical figures that adorn the "theater" reflect the grandeur and wealth of a prince of the church who thought nothing of diverting the entire water supply of the surrounding area to make his fountains perform. These days the fountains only play on special occasions. The villa is often rented out for private receptions; the gardens may be closed at these times.
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