Christmas has arrived Villa Silvestri Rivaldi, a Renaissance jewel overlooking the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the subject of a very important restoration, recovery and valorization operation.
For the first time, citizens will be able to discover spaces never open to the public of a Renaissance jewel overlooking the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, the subject of a very important restoration, recovery and valorization operation. This is Villa Silvestri Rivaldi which until January 6th, every day from 2.30pm to 8.30pm, is open for free visits including the Belvedere illuminated for the Christmas holidays.
The operation is the result of a substantial investment: on the basis of the valorization agreement signed in 2021, the Ministry of Culture has allocated over 35 million euros, through the Strategic Plan for Major Cultural Heritage Projects, for the conservative restoration and functional recovery of the Villa. The Lazio Region, for its part, completed the acquisition of the property for 25 million euros in 2024, thanks to the resources of the 2021-2027 Development and Cohesion Fund.
Some interventions have already been started: the Villino Rivaldi was restored with a loan of 2.6 million euros, while in November 2024 400 thousand euros were allocated to the project “Palazzo Silvestri Rivaldi – Open restoration and participatory conservation for the Jubilee. Securing paths, accesses and rooms”, curated by the Central Institute for Restoration (ICR). The activities have made it possible to bring to light portions of sixteenth-century frescoes and start educational sites followed by the School of Higher Education and Study (SAF) of the ICR.
From 15 December to 6 January, whilst awaiting the more structural works which will start in 2026, the park of the Villa will be reopened free of charge to the public, with Christmas displays and privileged views of the Imperial Forums. Access to the internal spaces, currently partial, will only take place by reservation and for small groups.
Having entered the regional cultural property, Villa Silvestri Rivaldi will be used exclusively for functions compatible with its history and artistic value. Future management will be entrusted to a participatory Foundation, with the aim of guaranteeing protection, valorisation and shared enjoyment in the long term.
