In 1504, future pope Cardinal Alessandro Farnese established the site in Carprarola, Italy, which is 50 miles northwest from Rome. A fortified castle was planned to defend against the threat of invasion, but the fortifications were never completed. After lying dormant until the mid-16th century, the site was given new life by Alessandro’s grandson. When the family lost favor with a change in the papacy, the site was reimagined as a garden villa retreat, just far enough from Rome to offer some peace.
The late Renaissance architect Giacomo da Vignola had previously worked on significant projects in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, and he was chosen for the project. …