Villa Sciarra

Villa Sciarra, located between Trastevere and Monteverde Vecchio in Rome, is one of the most charming public parks in the city, rich in history, art, and natural beauty. The villa is named after the Sciarra family, who owned it in the 19th century, but its origins date back to a much older era. The site on which Villa Sciarra stands was already known in Roman times as “Horti Caesaris,” a green area belonging to Emperor Claudius. Over the centuries, the land passed through various noble hands, until in the 17th century it was acquired by the Barberini family. It was during this period that the gardens and structures that still characterize the villa today began to develop. In the 19th century, the property was purchased by the Sciarra princes, who built a sumptuous villa and expanded the gardens. The Sciarra family enriched the park with fountains, statues, and valuable furnishings, transforming it into a place of leisure and representation. In 1902, the villa passed to the American couple George Washington Wurts and Henrietta Tower, who further embellished it with eclectic decorative elements inspired by Italian gardens and the Renaissance tradition. One of the most fascinating aspects of Villa Sciarra is its rich artistic heritage. The park is home to numerous statues and fountains, many of which come from the Villa Visconti di Brignano Gera d’Adda in Lombardy. Among the most famous works are the statues of the “Months,” a series of twelve sculptures representing the months of the year with allegorical figures, and the Fountain of the Putti, an enchanting fountain decorated with figures of children and sea creatures. The park is also known for its lush vegetation, which includes a wide range of botanical species. The gardens feature flower beds, ancient trees, and well-kept lawns, creating an ideal environment for relaxing walks and moments of contemplation. Among the plants in the park are pines, cypresses, magnolias, and various species of flowers that contribute to creating an atmosphere of serenity and beauty. A distinctive feature of Villa Sciarra is the noble casino, an elegant building in eclectic style that combines Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements. The casino, which was the residence of the Wurts, houses a series of rooms decorated with frescoes, stuccoes, and period furnishings, a testament to the refined taste of the owners. Unfortunately, the casino is not open to the public, but it is still possible to admire its external beauty by strolling through the gardens. Villa Sciarra is also a place of great historical interest. During World War II, the park was used as a refuge and meeting point for the Roman Resistance. The trees and bushes provided cover and protection for those who opposed the fascist regime and the German occupation. This heroic past adds an additional layer of meaning to the villa, making it not only a place of beauty but also of historical memory. In 1932, Villa Sciarra was donated to the city of Rome by the Wurts couple, with the intention of turning it into a public park. Since then, the park has become one of the favorite destinations for Romans and tourists, who find a corner of peace and beauty in the heart of the city. The park is particularly loved by families, thanks to its playgrounds for children and its large green spaces where they can play and run freely. An interesting anecdote concerns the aviary located within the park, which houses various species of exotic birds. This structure, desired by the Wurts, reflects their love for nature and their desire to create a garden that is also a refuge for wildlife.