Italy is home to countless wealthy families who adorned this country from North to South with timeless masterpieces and sumptuous residences.
One of the most beautiful Italian villas is located in the Lazio region, at less than 2 hours driving from Rome. This is the fascinating Villa Lante located in Bagnaia, near Viterbo.
Together with Bomarzo Park, which is also at a short distance from Villa Lante, this is one of the most representative Italian mannerist gardens that dates back to the XVI Century.
The construction, projected by Jacopo Barozzi Da Vignola, started in 1511 but it ended only in 1566 by the order of the cardinal Gambara. In recent years, Villa Lante won the award as the most impressive Park all over Italy. Vignola, who also worked on the project of the lovely Villa Farnese in Caprarola, was able to prove his ability as an architect, creating two completely different residences.
The Villa was named “Lante” only later in the XVII Century, when the area became part of Ippolito Lante della Rovere’s belongings.
Discover the highlights of Villa Lante and how to plan your visit below.
What to see in Villa Lante
Villa Lante is located in the Southern area of Bagnaia, at the bottom of Cimini Hills.
It was meant to be a summer residence for the bishops of Viterbo: for this reason both the buildings and the gardens are refined with stunning decorations and they are well combined one with the other.
The Park has large dimensions and only a part of it is annexed to Villa Lante, in fact it covers an area of 18 hectares. The outdoors of the Villa preserve the must sees: both the Park and the Garden share the same theme made of several fountains with water features and waterfalls. Different elements coexist in harmony: the result is an oasis of peace, the perfect place to relax. The borders of the gardens are marked by a wall that runs along the ancient road.
The small residences are located on the same side of the park, while the other three sides are marked and adorned with high boxwoods. Other areas of Villa Lante are characterized by oaks, holm oaks, sculptures and fountains here and there. The outdoors are arranged on different levels that are accessible through terraces and stairs: this allows the visitor to admire unexpected breathtaking views.
At the very center of Villa Lante, you can admire the lovely Fontana dei Mori by Gianbologna. This is an impressive sculpture that depicts 4 Moors surrounding two wild lions, while holding with their hands a symbol of a star from which the water comes out.
Know before you go
Villa Lante is open all year round, but as many other italian villas, Spring and early Autumn are the most recommended seasons to experience its green areas with vivid colors and benefit from impressive sunsets and views.
Villa Lante is open everyday except on Mondays, from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM during winter time and from 8.30 AM to 7.30 PM during summer time.
You can easily reach Villa Lante taking the highway A1 and the exit signs to Attigliano.
Once there, follow SP Bomarzese and SS675. If you are traveling by car, the site is provided with an outdoor parking area close to Villa Lante.
To visit Villa Lante, it is necessary to reserve your tickets in advance. The cost is Euros 5 per adult.
Villa Lante is only one of the unmissable Day Trips from Rome Tours. Contact us to know more about this trip, our booking staff will be happy to help you plan your journey!
