- Casino di Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi
The Casino di Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi, Via Lombardia 46,
Porta Pinciana ,Rome , is a villa (2.200 sq. meters) in the grounds of what was, in the 16th century, a country retreat belonging to CardinalFrancesco Maria Del Monte , diplomat, intellectual, art connoisseur, collector, and protector and patron of such very different figures asGalileo andCaravaggio . The ceiling of the casino holds the only mural ever done by Caravaggio - his "Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto ", reflecting, in symbolic imagery derived from Classical mythology, another of the cardinal's interests,alchemy . The casino is also known as the "Casino dell'Aurora del Guercino", after a fresco byGuercino . It is normally open to the public on Friday morning (cost €12 per person).Del Monte sold the casino and its extensive grounds to the
Ludovico Cardinal Ludovisi in 1621, and the casino remains in their possession, encircled by high walls and open to the public. The park was sold off in the 1880s and built up with hotels and expensive houses, including palazzi for members of the family. The facade of the main casino (a separate building) is now hidden behind the Casino Grande of Villa Ludovisi later called Palazzo Margherita. This palazzo was acquired by the Italian State and became the residence of Queen Mother Margherita, a popular figure after whom the well-knownpizza is named. It now houses the U.S. embassy.ources
* [http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi189.htm Casino di Villa Lodovisi presso Porta Pinciana]
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