A Renaissance Jewel in Trastevere

Villa Farnesina is one of Rome's loveliest Renaissance villas, tucked away among the gardens of Trastevere, on Via della Lungara, just across from Palazzo Corsini. Built in the early 1500s for the immensely wealthy Sienese banker Agostino Chigi, it is a small masterpiece of architectural harmony, and above all a treasure chest of frescoes signed by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, Raffaello first among them.

Unlike the big museums, the Farnesina is intimate and quiet: you can see it in just over an hour, yet it leaves an unforgettable impression.

Agostino Chigi's Villa

The banker Agostino Chigi, one of the richest men of his age, wanted a suburban villa for his lavish parties along the Tevere. He entrusted the project to Baldassarre Peruzzi, who designed an elegant, forward-looking building. The walls and ceilings were then decorated by a team of extraordinary artists, turning the villa into a true Renaissance "gallery."

After Chigi's death, the villa passed to the Farnese family (hence the name "Farnesina"). Today it belongs to the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.

Raphael's Frescoes

The heart of the villa is the frescoes by Raffaello and his workshop:

  • The Loggia of Cupid and Psyche, with the fable of the loves of Cupid and Psyche painted across the vault like an illusionistic pergola.
  • The Loggia of Galatea, home to the celebrated Triumph of Galatea, one of the most beloved works of the Renaissance. We've devoted a separate guide to it: the Triumph of Galatea.

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Beyond Raphael

The Farnesina is packed with masterpieces. Alongside Raffaello, other great names worked here:

  • Baldassarre Peruzzi — the extraordinary Hall of Perspectives, with illusionistic views of Rome.
  • Sebastiano del Piombo — the Polyphemus and other scenes.
  • Il Sodoma (Giovan Antonio Bazzi) — the Hall of the Wedding of Alexander and Roxana, once Chigi's own bedchamber.

You'll find the full rundown in our guide: what to see at Villa Farnesina.

How Much Time You'll Need

A full visit takes just over an hour. It pairs perfectly with Palazzo Corsini (right across the street) and a stroll through Trastevere, for a half-day of art away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Villa Farnesina? It's a Renaissance villa in Trastevere, built in the early 1500s for the banker Agostino Chigi and famous for frescoes by Raffaello, Peruzzi, Sebastiano del Piombo, and Il Sodoma. Today it belongs to the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.

Why is it called Farnesina? After the Farnese family, who bought the villa in the 1500s. The diminutive "Farnesina" sets it apart from the larger Palazzo Farnese, on the other bank of the Tevere.

What did Raphael paint at the Farnesina? The Loggia of Cupid and Psyche (with his workshop) and the celebrated Triumph of Galatea in the Loggia of Galatea, two of his most beloved works.

How long does a visit take? Just over an hour. It's an intimate villa, perfect to pair with Palazzo Corsini, right across the street, and a stroll through Trastevere.

Is Villa Farnesina crowded? No, it's one of Rome's lesser-known gems: usually calm and quiet, ideal for enjoying the frescoes at your own pace.

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Article #282 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026