112 Old Gardens of Italy 



but otherwise the garden appears much as it does 

 now. Galileo resided here in 1633-34, and Marie 

 de' Medici lived here when young. It became the 

 property of the Duke of Parma in 1801, and in 

 1 803 was purchased for the French Academy. Here 

 it is that those who have gained the Grands Prix de 

 Rome for painting, sculpture, architecture, engrav- 

 ing of medals and of precious stones, and musical 

 compositions are sent by the French Government 

 for four years to complete their studies. 



The grounds have all the charm of a simple 

 dignified design, unspoilt by the hand of the land- 

 scape gardener. The forecourt is very spacious, 

 and beyond it is the parterre, with its high clipped 

 box hedges and its fountains. A beautiful loggia 

 runs along one side of the flower garden, and must 

 formerly have served as a lemon house. It acts as 

 a retaining wall to the bosco, which is above. At 

 one spot in the grounds an iron grille permits of a 

 view outwards, a very French feature observable 

 also at the Palace of Stra. The garden of the 

 Villa Medici, though one of the best examples of 

 its period, is too familiar to travellers to need 

 further description. 



VILLA CHIGI, ROME. 



Outside the Porta Salaria, a mile or so beyond 

 Villa Albani, and on the other side of the road. 

 Most courteously shown on request to those really 

 interested in old Italian gardens. The property of 

 the Chigi family. 



