The Loggia dei Vini reopens after its first restoration, donated by Ghella

After the completion of the first phase of restoration, the Loggia dei Vini in Villa Borghese reopened to the public. This unique and elegant oval structure, adorned with intricate decorations and frescoes, was built between 1609 and 1618 by order of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. It served as a setting for gatherings and summer festivities.

The restoration, enabled by a donation from Ghella was conducted by R.O.M.A. Consorzio and overseen by the Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali.

The Loggia dei Vini is part of a larger architectural ensemble, which includes the underground wine grotto, once used for storage, linked to the Villa Borghese Casino through a subterranean passage. Closed to the public for years, the Loggia now comes back to life, following the first of three restoration phases, which focused on the internal vault, stucco frames, and central fresco — painted by Archita Ricci and depicting The Feast of the Gods — as well as the pillars, which had suffered from water infiltration, and the access stairs.

“After the Garden of the Herms, we are delighted to inaugurate another prestigious space at Villa Borghese, the Loggia dei Vini, now reopened to the public after restoration supported by Ghella’s donation and overseen by the Sovrintendenza Capitolina,” stated Miguel Gotor, Roma Capitale’s Cuoncillor for Culture. “This initiative,” he added, “marks a significant step in our commitment to enhancing Rome’s historical and artistic heritage, with contemporary art harmonizing alongside the restoration of a public space. This reopening aligns with two core cultural missions championed by this administration: site enhancement and cultural promotion,” Gotor concluded.

Upcoming phases will focus on restoring the interior pillars’ plaster, the building’s exterior, and the semicircle’s terracotta flooring.

Photos credit Daniele Molajoli, Paolo Fusco