A clear and in-depth text by the greatest expert on the Villa, with extraordinary images. An essential guide to discover the long history of the building from its foundation by Torlonia's family to the years when it became the residence of the "Duce".
Each chapter of the book is dedicated to the analysis of one of the ten major buildings composing the villa (and of the museums that they will house), beginning from the Neoclassic Casino Nobile, restored to his primitive magnificence after decades of neglect. We can admire the splendid ballroom with its stucco works, the oval hall “delle Muse”, rooms with decorations resembling those of Pompei or Egypt. Interesting are also Casino dei Principi, which has recently become a fascinating expositive space, Teatro Grande and Villino Medievale with its playroom. Undoubtly the most extravagant and charming monument is the fairy-like Casina delle Civette, with its magnificent glass windows moulded following Cambellotto and other great Twentieth Century artists’ sketches. An appendix shows different drawings of the garden, with fake ruins, artificial hills, sheets of water, and the many botanic species that embellish the Villa.