Palazzo Cesi, Renaissance palace in Acquasparta, Italy
Palazzo Cesi is a Renaissance palace in Acquasparta featuring two distinct architectural orders on its facade, with a wooden entrance door and a balcony positioned above. The interior includes decorated rooms, a garden with a two-storey portico, and a collection of artifacts from the nearby Carsulae archaeological site.
Construction of this palace began in 1564 under architect Guido Guidetti and was completed in 1579, coinciding with the wedding of Federico II to Olimpia Orsini. The building represented the peak of the family's artistic ambition during the Renaissance period.
The ground floor displays restored frescoes by Giovan Battista Lombardelli that tell the story of the Cesi family through classical literature and mythological scenes from Ovid. These paintings blend family identity with scholarly learning, creating a visual language of knowledge and prestige.
The best way to explore this palace is to move slowly through the decorated rooms and take time to examine the artworks and architectural details. The garden with its portico and the archaeological collection in the building provide additional areas to visit at a comfortable pace.
A fireplace in the palace was the setting for evening conversations when Galileo Galilei stayed with the family in April 1624. This visit connects the building to a pivotal moment in the development of scientific thought.
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