Villa Sora

Villa Sora is a Renaissance villa in Frascati featuring a quadrangular structure with three levels and two observation towers. These towers offer views toward Rome and frame the main facade, serving both as residential spaces and strategic vantage points.

The villa was conceived as a Renaissance residence and gained prominence when Pope Gregory XIII and Cardinal Carlo Borromeo visited in 1582. This high-level visit led to its temporary renaming as Villa del Papa.

The main hall displays allegorical frescoes of the nine muses painted by artist Cesare Rossetti during the Renaissance. These artworks reflect the literary and artistic education that the villa's owners valued during that period.

Today the villa operates as an educational institution run by the Salesian religious order. The space functions primarily as an academic center rather than as a museum open to casual visitors.

Preserved elements from 1620 are documented in engravings by Matteo Greuter showing the original architectural layout. These historical prints allow visitors to understand how the structure has been modified over the centuries.

Location: Frascati

GPS coordinates: 41.81070,12.66990

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04