12 8 Old Gardens of Italy 



other, overlooking the Tiber, and perched on the 

 very edge of a steep cliff. 



VILLA MADAMA, ROME. 



Though hardly a vestige remains of this once 

 famous garden, it cannot be entirely omitted from 

 a handbook to the subject, for the design of the 

 grounds of the Villa Madama was the model for 

 nearly all the formal gardens of Italy. It was never 

 finished, but in 1516 it was begun for Cardinal 

 Giuliano de Medici (afterwards Pope Clement 

 VII.) by Raphael, who died before the work was 

 completed. Guilio Romano and Antonio da San- 

 gallo went on with it, but in 1527 it was nearly 

 destroyed by the troops of Cardinal Colonna, and 

 later it passed into the hands of the Chapter of St. 

 Eustace, the Duchess of Parma (who named it 

 Madama) and the King of Naples. It stiU remains 

 in his family, being now the property of the Count 

 of Caserta, and, like the Farnese Palace, at Capra- 

 rola, it has been allowed to fall into absolute decay. 

 It may be seen on Saturdays after 9 a.m., and is on 

 the north slope of Monte Mario. A tram runs 

 from the Ponte Margherita to near the triumphal 

 arch at the foot of the hill. There is a long terrace 

 with a tank and niches in its upper retaining wall. 

 Below is a series of grottos and a long basin. 

 These are all that now exist of the huge garden 

 scheme here projected. 



The villa is worth a visit, however, on account 



