Serra moresca, Moorish greenhouse in Villa Torlonia, Rome, Italy.
Serra Moresca is a garden pavilion in Villa Torlonia with seven sections divided by stone columns and topped with multicolored windows. Hexagonal cast iron columns crown the upper sections, creating a distinctive visual pattern that blends structural function with decorative detail.
Prince Alessandro Torlonia commissioned Venetian architect Giuseppe Jappelli to design this structure in 1839, with construction completed by 1841. The pavilion emerged during a period when European nobility embraced oriental influences as part of romantic design trends.
The Arabic script above the entrance reflects the building's role as a showcase of refined taste and cosmopolitan design during the 19th century. Visitors can see how the moorish style was adapted and reinterpreted to fit the villa's overall aesthetic vision.
The pavilion sits near Bologna metro station and operates Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours during warmer months. Plan your visit to check current opening times, as seasonal variations affect access times throughout the year.
The dining room contained a mechanical system that lifted the sofa toward the ceiling while simultaneously raising a prepared table from below. This ingenious device allowed the room to transform between functions without manual furniture moving.
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