The “modest” villa of Agostino Chigi is a small, precious, hidden gem in Trastevere.

As one of the wealthiest men in the papal capital during the early 16th Century, Agostino Chigi worked exclusively with the best artists of High-Renaissance Rome, especially with his close friend Raphael.

Villa Farnesina is the perfect place to begin exploring Renaissance Rome, particularly by delving into the lives of its two key figures, Agostino Chigi and Raphael. Agostino became one of the wealthiest men of his time by loaning money to various popes.

Raphael decorated the interior of his good friend’s residence. The villa, designed by the famous Baldassarre Peruzzi soon became legendary in the Eternal City for its beauty as well as for its glamorous banquets and luxurious, gold-plated dishes and chalices.

Next we will cross the river at the bridge called Ponte Sisto, which was built in the late 1400’s, and continue down Via Giulia, which was the first modern street in Rome and was designed by Donato Bramante architect of the Vatican Palace and the new St. Peter’s Basilica.

The tour will continue on to Piazza Farnese, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori and finally Piazza Navona.