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image: ALAMY |
Above: The Temple of Venus and
Rome, as seen from the Colosseum
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EXCURSIONS
Around 37 miles north of Rome, surrounded by hazelnut orchards and shepherd caves dating to the Etruscan period, is the hilltop village of Vignanello. Here sits Castello Ruspoli— a 16th-century medieval fortress complete with drawbridge that’ s been the ancestral home of the Ruspoli family since 847. Claudia Ruspoli is the current residentowner and gives tours of her home and its grounds— one of the finest examples of a Renaissance garden in Europe, which includes a family tree painted on an interior wall. Using it for reference, Claudia relates the tale of influential female forebear Vittoria Ruspoli who ordered a chapel to be constructed with the intention of attracting a visit from the Pope. The expensive renovations paid off and her husband was ultimately awarded the title of‘ prince’ by the pontiff. On another branch on the family tree is Ottavia Orsini who built the first garden here, in 1611.
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DON’ T MISS
Journey through the Forum of Caesar, a new, immersive multimedia display that transports visitors to the Rome of 2,000 years ago. Films and reconstructions projected onto the historic ruins accompanied by narration make it easy to visualise the role of the Forum in the daily lives of ancient Romans. This space was first excavated in 1803, and it took over a century to be fully uncovered. It once hosted a mix of government officials, military leaders and civilians among its gardens, public toilets, senatorial offices and food markets. Digital reconstructions show how the Curia, the headquarters of the Roman Senate— once located on this site— might have looked back then. There are two shows; the Forum of Augustus Light Show, which tells the story of the first Emperor; and the Forum of Caesar Light Show, which depicts Julius Caesar and his infamous role in Ancient Rome. Check online for tickets and showtimes.
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spring 2025 • 83 |