W3-14: Celimontana Villa

W3-14: VILLA CELIMONTANA

Photo 1: The park of Villa Celimontana

Photo 2: On the left, the access gate to the Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis and on the right, remnants of the former aqueduct with the Arch of Dolabella.

Villa with Egyptian obelisk. View of the remnants of the former aqueduct. Park as an oasis of tranquility.

Here we offer an alternative way to reach W3-15 (San Giovanni e Paolo) by walking through the arch of Dolabella (right in the photo). Green and atmospheric street.

During the discussion of San Giovanni in Laterano (W3-12), the pilgrimage to the seven major churches was mentioned. In this lengthy journey, the Villa Celimontana played an important role as a resting point for the pilgrims. Here they were offered a sort of picnic: “for everyone a sandwich, an egg, two apples, and two slices of salami and a half provatura cheese.” The latter is a cheese made from buffalo milk.

The estate came into the possession of the Mattei family in the mid-16th century (see also W2-4 and W9-5). After a few changes of ownership, it became the property of the city. Meanwhile, the art collection had already been transferred to the Vatican Museums. In the house, there is now a Geographical Institute known primarily for its extensive collection of (day)books from (world) travelers and geographical maps. Everything focused on geography and exploration. The garden is open to the public.

Marc Vandenbon