Villa Wolkonsky in Rome: History of a Hidden Treasure

The Villa Wolkonsky is the official residence of the British ambassador to Italy. It was built in the 19th century by a Russian princess and later sold to the German government in 1922. After the war, the UK bought it and has since used it as the ambassador's residence. Sir John Shepherd has written a book about the Villa's history, debunking long-held myths and presenting a comprehensive history of this hidden Roman treasure.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 23 April 2021
\n Publisher: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd
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Nestled within the city's Aurelian Wall, The Villa Wolkonsky, Rome, boasts an incongruously named official residence of the British ambassador to Italy. With a history dating back to antiquity, the site's gardens are dominated by the remnants of a first-century imperial Roman aqueduct. In the 19th century, a remarkable Russian princess, Zenaïde Wolkonsky, transformed it into a country home and salon dart, hosting illustrious visitors such as Gogol, Turgenev, and Fanny Mendelssohn. Following generations excavated Roman tombs, collected antiquities, and built a new grand mansion before selling it to the German government in 1922. It remained the German embassy, undergoing significant enlargement, until the Liberation of Rome in 1944. After the war, the UK acquired it, initially serving as embassy offices and residence, and since 1971, as the residence for the ambassador and other staff.

In this meticulously illustrated volume, Sir John Shepherd, former ambassador, has undertaken new research to debunk long-held myths and present, for the first time, a comprehensive history of this hidden Roman treasure. The Villa Wolkonsky, with its rich history and stunning gardens, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Rome's cultural and diplomatic heritage.

\n Weight: 1064g\n
Dimension: 190 x 248 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785513251\n \n