Villa Torlonia

The Basics

Originally designed in the early 19th century by Giuseppe Valadier and Giuseppe Jappelli for the Roman banker Giovanni Torlonia and his family, Villa Torlonia later became home to Mussolini; “the Leader” lived here from 1920 until the end of World War II. The three buildings are surrounded by lush gardens with a number of decorative pavilions and obelisks; underground are Jewish catacombs dating from the third century and an air-raid shelter later converted to a bunker during the World War II (not currently open to the public). The Torlonia family, and in particular Giovanni and his son Alessandro, were avid art collectors, and the villa is home to a small portion of their original collection.

If you’re already acquainted with Rome’s main attractions and would like to discover some of the city’s lesser-known sites, consider taking a guided tour of Villa Torlonia and the nearby Quartiere Coppedè neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left in the cloakroom.

• Touring the buildings and gardens requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

• The buildings are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers via ramps and elevators.

• Photography without flash is permitted inside the villas, but not during special exhibitions.

How to Get There

Villa Torlonia is located along Via Nomentana; a number of buses run from Rome’s main Termini train station to the Trieste/Nomentana stop near the villa.

When to Get There

One of the main draws of Villa Torlonia are the lovely grounds, which are in full bloom in spring and fall. The museum is closed on Mondays.

The Owl House

Although Casino Nobile is the main building, the most charming is the House of the Little Owls (Casina delle Civette), a whimsical cottage with loggias, porticos, turrets, and stained-glass windows.

Ways to explore

Stop by Villa Torlonia to see the Casino Nobile, featuring elegant furnishings, the Casina delle Civette with its owl motifs and decorative stained glass, and the Complex of the Serra Moresca, which draws inspiration from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, through its architecture. The surrounding English-style gardens feature temples, obelisks, and a theater. Visitors can make advance reservations to tour Mussolini’s WWII-era bunker below the Casino Nobile, and tickets are available for individual sites or as a combined ticket.

Visits to Villa Torlonia are often included on tours focused on Rome’s lesser-known sites and those dedicated to architecture and Italy’s Fascist era.

Accessibility

Villa Torlonia is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed lunch on the villa grounds.

What to wear

Weather-appropriate dress and comfortable footwear for exploring the grounds

Not allowed

Bulky bags or backpacks, umbrellas, pets (except for small dogs in carriers), eating or drinking

Amenities

Audio guides (rent), video guide app (purchase), coat check, bookstore, restaurant

Address

Villa Torlonia is on Via Nomentana, northeast of the center of Rome.

Driving

From the center of Rome, head northeast on the A24/E80, exit at Nomentana, and follow the signs to Villa Torlonia. Public parking is available in nearby garages.

Public transportation

The closest Rome Metro station is Policlinico (line B), around a 10-minute walk via Viale Regina Margherita. Bus routes 62, 66, and 90 stop nearby at Via Nomentana/Porta Pia.

Best times to visit

To avoid crowds, arrive close to opening or closing time.

Best days to visit

The villa is quietest on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Visit in spring to see the garden’s flowers in bloom.

Special events

The museum hosts temporary exhibitions and related events throughout the year.