I’m always surprised by how empty the Villa Farnesina is. It’s so centrally located (right on the edge of Trastevere), it’s got SUCH good stuff (so many Raphaels!), and it’s such a lovely, lovely, lovely space. And yet, every single time I’ve been there, there are crickets it’s so empty. Ok by me, because I get it all by myself! Maybe it’s empty because it’s pretty much encased in a high wall. Or maybe it’s empty because people don’t understand the Villas?
Perhaps it’s pleasantly attended because it’s only open in the morning? 9am-2pm, that’s all folks. But still, so worth an early(ier-ish, but not really. Come on, 9am isn’t early, even on vacation) morning.
All the photos here are from wikipedia because I have definitely been yelled at by the guards for taking photos, even though on their website it says photos without flash are permitted. Probably the guards were just bored since there are usually twice as many of them as there are visitors.
As I’ve mentioned, visiting the Farnesina is a GREAT alternative to seeking out the Raphael Rooms at the Vatican, since there are lots and lots of Raphaels there. Also Baldassare Peruzzis, Sodomas, Sebastiano del Piombos, and Giulio Romanos. You probably haven’t heard of those last four, but trust me, they’re all GREAT.
Ruins + Relics 
I think it would be awesome to stand in one of the rooms with paintings on all the walls and the ceiling.
It is awesome.
Lovely blog, as usual.
Thanks!
Thanks for those pics and the posts. I’m storing it up for my next visit (whenever…) I like the bit about the guards – I always wonder what goes on in their minds all day.
Sometimes I ask them! I oftentimes ask the guards if they like the exhibition or what they think about it. They often have really fascinating perspectives since they spend hours and hours and hours in the galleries. And thank you for reading!
Thanks for the answer. I sometimes find the people in museums as fascinating as the exhibits…