Villa York

Villa York, located in the Valle dei Casali, in the Gianicolense district of Rome, is a historic villa with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally known as Villa Baldinotti or Bichi Ruspoli, it was purchased in 1647 by Zenobio Baldinotti, who commissioned its construction to Pietro Paolo Drei. Later, the villa passed to Marchesa Girolama Bichi Ruspoli in 1697, who entrusted the decorations to the painter Giovanni Ulisse Cariaci. In the 18th century, the villa became the property of Cardinal Enrico Benedetto Stuart, Duke of York, who gave it its current name. The cardinal was the nephew of James II of England and represented the Catholic branch of the Stuart family, exiled from the English throne after the Glorious Revolution. The villa continued to change owners, passing to the Giustiniani and then to the Silvestri and Troiani families, until it became a typical farm in the 19th century. The villa complex includes several historic buildings and a church, the Church of Santa Chiara, also built by Drei. This sacred place, located within the villa, is an example of Baroque architecture and preserves important historical and artistic testimonies of the period. The church is visible from the Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta, adding further historical and cultural value to the villa. In the 20th century, the villa was involved in complex legal and ownership issues related to Federconsorzi, which led to its sale to private individuals in 2017. Currently, Villa York is undergoing restoration with the aim of transforming it into a luxury event venue, with a reopening planned for 2024. In addition to its fascinating history, Villa York is immersed in a natural setting of great beauty. The Valle dei Casali is a nature reserve characterized by rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. This green and peaceful environment, just a few steps from the center of Rome, makes Villa York an ideal place for walks and moments of relaxation. An interesting anecdote concerns the use of the villa during the period when it was owned by the Bichi Ruspoli family. It is said that Marchesa Girolama organized sumptuous receptions and parties, making Villa York a center of social and cultural life. The decorations made by Giovanni Ulisse Cariaci during this period add an artistic touch to the villa, making it a significant example of Baroque art and architecture. The recent sale and ongoing restoration work represent a new phase in the history of Villa York. The interventions aim to preserve the historical and architectural heritage of the villa, while making it accessible for events and exhibitions. This transformation not only enhances the cultural heritage of the villa, but also contributes to the redevelopment of the Valle dei Casali, promoting a sustainable and respectful use of the environment.