Belvedere Villa, Renaissance palace in Vatican City
Belvedere Villa is a Renaissance palace built on a hillside within Vatican City, connected by grand staircases and arranged across multiple courtyards. The structure forms part of the Apostolic Palace with ascending terraces that create distinct levels.
Pope Innocent VIII commissioned architect Antonio del Pollaiuolo in 1484 to build this villa as a residential retreat. The property was later expanded and redesigned under subsequent popes to integrate it into the larger Apostolic Palace complex.
The walls display frescoes by Federico Zuccari, and the courtyards house Roman sculptures that show how Renaissance patrons collected and displayed classical art.
Access comes through guided tours of the Vatican Museums, which require admission tickets. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain, as the complex has multiple levels and staircases throughout.
The Cortile del Belvedere was designed by Donato Bramante and showcased groundbreaking ideas for courtyard design with its tiered terraces. This innovative layout later influenced European architects and became a model for many other palace complexes.
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