The Casina of Pio IV

In the Vatican Gardens, with visits upon request, it is a masterpiece of mannerism, built by the neopolitan architect on commission by Pope Paolo IV Carafa (1555-59), but completed for the successive pope, Pio IV Medici (1559-65) from whom it gets its name. Known also as Villa Pia, it is made up of two buildings and a nymphaeum. The entire work makes a difficult attempt at reconciling religious vigor with the bucolic place in which it is set, as well as the rich classically-inspired decorations including ancient sculptures, the stuccoed facade and the frescoed interior painted by Federico Barocci and others, which alternate between holy and mythologcial themes.

THINGS TO KNOW: With the completion of the Casina of Pius IV, by Pirro Ligorio, the Vatican gardens took on the aspect of a villa

Recommended by: Fabio Isman