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In Villa Torlonia park in Rome you’ll find the picture-postcard Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls), a rustic-looking building similar to an Alpine cottage, an unusual experience to enjoy while staying in the Italian capital.
The Casina delle Civette is the product of a series of conversions and modifications made to the 19th-century Swiss Lodge, a place of escape for Prince Alessandro Torlonia of Civitella-Cesi. In the early 20th century, the prince’s grandson commissioned the architect Enrico Gennari to carry out the first revisions to the original building, which became an elegant residence with porticoes, turrets, large windows, small loggias, majolica decorations and stained glass windows, taking on the appearance and name of “Medieval Hamlet”.
The stained glass window depicting two owls hiding among ivy shoots was created from 1916, giving the building the name we know it by today: the theme of the nocturnal bird of prey recurs throughout in the decorations and furniture, at the behest of Prince Giovanni, who was passionate about esoteric symbols.
In 1917, fancy architectural details were added in the Italian Art Nouveau style, including the brightly coloured glazed tiles and the vaulted portico on the south side.
But the stained glass windows remain the hallmark feature: these exquisite polychrome leaded windows depicting nature and wildlife – including owls, of course – are truly one of a kind on the international art scene, making the Casina delle Civette a must-see sight that will leave you spellbound.
The Municipality of Rome purchased the villa in 1978 and lovingly restored it before giving the city back its fairy-tale cottage, now home to a museum dedicated to artistic stained glass.