Farnese Palace in Caprarola

About this activity

The Farnese Palace in Caprarola, located in the heart of the Tuscia region near Viterbo, is a masterpiece of the Italian Late Renaissance, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and the richness of the Mannerist frescoes that adorn its interiors. Commissioned by the “Grand Cardinal” Alessandro Farnese, the palace was built between 1559 and 1575 based on a design by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, who transformed a pre-existing medieval fortress into a sumptuous and imposing residence.
The structure is distinguished by its unique pentagonal layout, centered around a circular courtyard that serves as the focal point of the entire complex. This configuration, originally conceived by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Baldassarre Peruzzi, gives the palace the appearance of a fortress, palace, and villa all at once—a tangible symbol of the power and prestige of the Farnese family.
Inside, the palace houses the renowned Scala Regia, a helical staircase of extraordinary elegance supported by thirty Doric columns, which harmoniously connects the building’s various floors. The rooms are adorned with fresco cycles that rank among the most representative of Mannerism, created by artists such as the brothers Taddeo and Federico Zuccari. Among these, the “Hall of the World Map” stands out, featuring a depiction of the known world in 1574, as well as the “Hall of Farnese Deeds,” which celebrates the achievements of the Farnese family.
Outside, the palace is surrounded by Italian gardens with geometric flowerbeds, classical statues, and scenic fountains. At the rear, two secret gardens can be found, along with a monumental park further uphill, set amidst a wooded area and enriched by a series of fountains leading to a villa that once served as the summer residence of President Luigi Einaudi.
This combination of natural and architectural elements creates an environment of rare beauty and serenity, ideal for walks and moments of contemplation.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last entry at 6:45 PM. The park closes one hour before sunset, with seasonal variations:
  • January: Last entry at 3:00 PM, closing at 4:00 PM.
  • February: Last entry at 3:30 PM, closing at 4:30 PM.
  • March*: Last entry at 4:00 PM, closing at 5:00 PM.
  • From April to September: Last entry at 6:00 PM, closing at 7:00 PM.
  • October*: Last entry at 5:00 PM, closing at 6:00 PM.
  • November and December: Last entry at 3:00 PM, closing at 4:00 PM.
  • Until the change to daylight saving time/standard time.
• Closing Days: Mondays, January 1st, and December 25th, except for special openings.
• Tickets: Full price €10.00; reduced price €8.00 when the park is closed. Discounted rate of €2.00 for young people aged 18 to 25, in accordance with the concessions provided by the regulations for access to Italian cultural sites. Admission is free for children under 18. Pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs for the blind and service dogs for individuals with disabilities.
• Group Visits: Allowed for a maximum of 30 people, plus the guide. For groups of more than 25 people, the use of radio guide systems (whisper) is mandatory. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, group reservations are required. To book, contact +39 0761 646052 from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

The Farnese Palace in Caprarola is a must-visit destination for history, art, and architecture enthusiasts, offering a fascinating journey into the Italian Renaissance and the grandeur of the Farnese family.