TOUR STOPS 📍
Villa Farnesina - The Love and Art of Raphael
We begin with the sumptuous Villa Farnesina, a masterpiece of the Renaissance Villa Farnesina: The Renaissance Masterpiece by Agostino Chigi
The Villa Farnesina, located in the heart of Trastevere, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Rome. Built in the early 16th century for Agostino Chigi, the wealthy Sienese banker and patron of Raphael, the villa was designed by architect Baldassarre Peruzzi as a luxury residence surrounded by greenery.
In addition to its elegant structure, the villa is famous for its magnificent frescoes, created by the likes of Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Baldassarre Peruzzi, and Sodoma.
What to see in the Villa Farnesina:
Raphael's The Triumph of Galatea: a masterpiece inspired by classical mythology, where the nymph Galatea emerges from the waves in a chariot pulled by dolphins, we will discover the anecdote, narrated by Vasari, that Raphael wanted to substitute the client's courtesan for his beloved as a model.
The Loggia of Cupid and Psyche, decorated by Raphael, retells Apuleius' fable with a triumph of spectacular colors and details.
Pasticceria Valzani - The Bride's Dessert
In honor of the Fornarina's origins, we will take a sweet break at the historic Pasticceria Valzani.
Mostaccioli Romani, also known as mostocchiari, are a traditional Roman dessert, with origins dating back to Ancient Roman times. Mentioned even by Pliny the Younger, they were considered a delicacy served at wedding banquets, just like today's sugared almonds.
Made with flour, honey, dried fruit and spices, mostaccioli have a crunchy texture and an intense flavor, enriched by the aromatic notes of cinnamon and cloves. Their history is also linked to Pasticceria Valzani in Trastevere, which still makes them according to the traditional recipe.
A symbol of sweetness and prosperity, these cookies represent a bridge between past and present, evoking the flavors of Renaissance Rome that Raphael himself might have tasted.
Golf cart to the Heart of the City
Pantheon - The Eternity of Raphael
We will reach the Pantheon, where Raphael Sanzio rests, honored with an epigraph celebrating his greatness:
“Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared, while he was alive, to be vanquished, and now that he is dead, he fears to die.”
A solemn moment to pay homage to the genius who gave birth to the Renaissance.
Golf cart toward the next masterpiece
Basilica of St. Augustine - The Prophet Isaiah
A small hidden gem, often overlooked by visitors attracted by the works of Caravaggio.
Here Raphael painted the Prophet Isaiah (1511-1512), frescoed with a plastic power worthy of the figures in the Sistine Chapel.
Commissioned by Luxembourg prothonotary Johan Goritz, the prophet is depicted with a twist that testifies to Michelangelo's influence on the Urbino master.
Golf cart to the center of Renaissance power.
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo - Raphael's Legacy
We will admire the chapel commissioned by Agostino Chigi, the powerful papal banker who was among Raphael's main patrons. The Urbino designed the central structure and edited the cartoons for the mosaics of the dome.
Walk along Via del Babuino to the Maison Parfum Pantheon Rome
Parfum Experience
The final stop on our tour takes us to Pantheon Roma, a maison de parfum that interweaves art and perfumery, inspired by the eternal love between Raffaello Sanzio and Margherita Luti, the famous Fornarina. This forbidden bond, lived with passion in the heart of Rome, inspired fragrances that evoke deep emotions and tell timeless stories.
During the tour, participants will be immersed in a unique olfactory experience, discovering how fragrances can tell stories of love and creativity, just like the one between Raphael and Margherita. A sensory journey that concludes the tour by celebrating the art, beauty and emotions of the Italian Renaissance.
USEFUL INFO
Duration: 5 hours
Departure from Villa Farnesina
Exclusive experience for those who want to discover Raphael through the colors of his art and the scents of his time. To book the tour or receive more information, contact us at vipconcierge@palazzonavonahotel.com or call us at +39 0681152341.
