Villa Abamelek

Villa Abamelek, located on Via Aurelia Antica in Rome, is a majestic example of a historic residence with a rich and varied history. The villa was designed in 1739 by the architect Alessandro Galilei for Cardinal Ferroni. Later, in 1792, it was purchased by Duke Giovanni Torlonia and then passed to the Valentini and Giraud families. During 1849, the villa suffered serious damage due to the siege of Rome by French troops. In 1854, Villa Abamelek was purchased by Filippo Andrea V Doria Pamphili, who entrusted its restoration to the architect Andrea Busiri Vici. Later, in 1863, it was bought by Bettino Ricasoli, known as the second prime minister in Italian history after Cavour, and a prominent figure in the production of Chianti wine, having formulated the recipe still followed today. In 1907, the villa passed to the Russian prince Abamelek Lazarew, who commissioned further renovations and expansions, expanding the property to about 27 hectares. This intervention also included the construction of new buildings and the reorganization of the gardens, giving the villa the appearance we can admire today. After the prince’s death in 1914, the villa was donated to the Russian Academy in Rome and is currently the official residence of the Russian ambassador in Italy. Architecturally, Villa Abamelek is an extraordinary example of a Roman aristocratic residence, with a fusion of styles ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical. The interiors of the villa are richly decorated with frescoes, stuccoes, and antique furnishings, reflecting the eclectic taste of its various owners. The Italian gardens, with their fountains, statues, and tree-lined avenues, represent a perfect example of historical landscaping, offering a tranquil and fascinating retreat in the heart of the city. One fascinating aspect of Villa Abamelek is the presence of the Church of Santa Caterina Martire, an Orthodox church inaugurated in 2009. This sacred building, located within the property, is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and serves as an important point of reference for the Russian Orthodox community in Rome. The church, with its richly decorated interior, adds an additional element of cultural and religious interest to the villa. The park surrounding the villa is a true gem, with a variety of botanical species that testify to the attention given to landscaping over the centuries. Visitors can stroll among centuries-old trees, blooming gardens, and shaded paths, enjoying an environment that seems light years away from the urban chaos of the capital. This green space is not only a place of natural beauty but also an important habitat for local fauna, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.