Saturday, February 7, 2009
Villa Grazioli
Last January I made a trip to Italy. This was not the first time - and I hope it won't be the last time either. As you may have read already, I had the chance to get to know Bart, and in October, I could stay with him.
This time however he was out of the country himself, so I had to look for a hotel. One year ago we stayed in Hotel Flora in Frascati, a very nice and beautiful hotel. This time however, I decided to try the Villa Grazioli
in Grottaferrata, a hotel recommended by a business partner.
It was built at the end of the 16th century by Cardinal Carafa, projected by architect Domenico Fontana. The villa was enlarged by the new property, the family Acquaviva of Aragon, of the House of Atri.
It is situated on a hill overlooking the ancient city of Rome, the sea and Tivoli.
In 1843 the Grazioli family bought the villa. In some rooms Agostino Ciampelli (1565-1630) pictured the villa with decoration works, the paintings show rural life and rustic scene. In the last years the new owners restored the building and turned it in an elegant hotel.
The Villa is a masterpiece of the 16th century art, history and culture, filled with magnificent works of art painted by Italian masters like Ciampelli, Carracci and Pannini.
And indeed it was a good tip! Even though traveling alone, I had a very nice trip. Not only because the business was successful, but also thanks to the hotel. It is very beautiful indeed. I did not stay in the main building, but in the guest house a bit further. But such hotel cannot afford guests to have to walk in the rain to the restaurant, therefore all buildings are connected via subterranean passages!
And even though the hotel is so beautiful, as well as the surroundings, the way the personal treats you makes it even better. From the lobby to the restaurant, service is excellent.
If ever you are in the neighbourhood - and you can spend the money - it absolutely is the place to go. Here are some views on the rooms in the main building.
Yes, I actually played this piano!
You of course can check out the website of the hotel for better pictures than these (but that is because I did not take my own gear, but a point-and-shoot digital camera).
This small movie shows most rooms in the main building. Of course these are the reception, lobby and others, not the guest rooms.
Labels: rome
posted by Vince | 10:22 PM
2 Reacties:
Next time I'll try to be home, Vince... But this year appears to be a real globetrotting year. So we need to get our act together and fix a couple of dates. And, yep, the Villa Grazioli is a jewel...
Cheers
BEE
Hey Bee, don't worry, I know exactly what you mean. It's a very busy year for me too, both professionally and privately. It would have been nice if we would have met, but on the other hand, I got the chance to get to know the villa.
You can't have it all !
Cheers,
Vince
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