Villa dei Papi, Neo-Gothic villa in Pacevecchia, Italy
Villa dei Papi is a Neo-Gothic villa in Benevento built on the remains of the Santa Maria della Pace Convent. The building features ornate architectural elements that define the character of the Pacevecchia district.
Archbishop Vincenzo Maria Orsini, who later became Pope Benedict XIII, commissioned the building in 1696 following the earthquake of 1688. Its construction was part of the city's rebuilding efforts after this natural disaster.
The residence once hosted Pope Benedict XIII during his time in Benevento and later became the headquarters of Banca Sannitica. The building reflects both the religious importance and the economic role it held for the city over centuries.
The property was acquired by the Municipality and Province of Benevento in 2001 and underwent comprehensive restoration. The surrounding forest was also rehabilitated and the villa now serves as a venue for conferences and events.
The building currently houses MARSec, the Mediterranean Agency for Remote Sensing and Environmental Control. This organization uses satellite data to monitor environmental conditions across the Campania region.
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