PALAZZO COLONNA, ROME 



PLATE roi 



HE garden of the Palazzo Colonna is particularly interesting as an example 

 of the clever treatment of a city garden, where a restricted space and very 

 awkward situation have been laid out to great effect. The skilful manner 

 in which the designer has made the most of his opportunities, and imparted 

 a beauty and variety of effect by simple means, is well worthy of study. 

 The garden was laid out by Don Filippo Colonna in the seventeenth century. 

 Before that date the site had consisted of several orchards known as ' gli orti 

 Colonnei,' laid out upon the ancient area of the Temple of the Sun,' and part of its ruined cornice 

 still remains upon the terrace. 



The palace is situated at the foot of Monte Quirinalc, not far distant from the royal 

 palace, the principal entrance being from the Piazza SS. Apostoli. The palace itself is built 

 upon level ground, and the gardens occupy the steep slope behind, the hillside having been 

 considerably cut away, and a narrow area, for lighting, constructed behind the building. Four 

 small stone bridges cross this area from the level of the first floor to the lower terrace of the 

 garden, now a broad grassplot, but originally laid out with a series of small pastures. At one 

 end, the rocky background is hidden by an elaborate architectural screen. The awkward nature 

 of the site made it impossible to obtain any leading lines connecting the palace with the 

 garden itself, and the designer has succeeded in masking the irregularities of the steep slope by 

 planting a hedge and covered alley at the foot of the hill. From a point near the centre the 



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little cascade descends ; it is of very simple design, delightfully arranged with stairways on either 

 side, and nymphs and tritons watch the water splashing down water-worn steps and through 

 mossy vases. 



Midway up the cascade is an oval level space, with walks to right and left. Continuing the 

 ascent, we arrive at the head of the cascade, on the level of the second terrace, whence a double 

 ramp ascends to the topmost level of the garden, with a broad terrace backed by high hedges of 

 box and myrtle, with here and there some antique remnant of the famous Temple which formerly 



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stood here. Tall cypresses complete the scene, lending an air of solemnity, and affording a splendid 



^ There is an engraving by Stefano^Duperac, 1540-1561, showing these ruins in the early sixteenth century, 

 upon Nolli's plan of Rome, 174S. 



( 115 ) 



The garden is also shown 



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