THE ART OF GARDEN DESIGN IN ITALY 
on Plate 69. The parterre is divided into sixteen compartments, in four of which the Papal arms 
are worked in cut box; an immense basin and fountain occupy the centre. The labour involved 
in levelling such a large area was an immense undertaking. Upon the side nearest St. Peter's is 
an entrance gateway, with wrought-iron gate of graceful design and proportion, and beyond an 
alley leads to the oval courtyard before the 
exquisite little garden residence built for 
Pius IV. in 1560 by the Neapolitan architect 
Pirro Ligorio. It lies somewhat in a hollow, 
and is said to have been built in imitation 
of the ancient villas, of which Ligorio is 
reported to have made a special study. He 
came from a distinguished family, and his 
antiquarian studies drew him to Rome at 
a time when so many old ruins were being 
brought to light. He was recommended to 
the Pope as one of the architects worthy 
of being employed at St. Peter’s, but the 
only work he is known to have executed 
there is the mausoleum of Paul IV. But 
he was entrusted with the architecture of 
this little garden casino. On Plate 68 
we give a plan and section of the casino. 
An open portico overlooks a small pool, 
where gold and silver fish dart fascinatingly 
about among the mossy reeds ; on either 
side a ramp leads to the two exquisite little 
porches shown upon Plates 70 and 72 ; these 
are paved with different coloured marbles and cleverly decorated with stucco and pebble work. 
Through the porches we enter the open courtyard in front of the casino. This is paved with 
two-coloured stones, and surrounded by a low boundary wall with vases and cacti; a seat runs 
almost entirely round the court. In the centre is a fountain designed by Gio. Vasanzio, called 
II Fiammingo; two little groups of children mounted on dolphins occupy either end (see 
Plate 71). 
The hillside rises abruptly behind the casino, and into this hillside a deep area has 
been cut to surround the building and render it impervious to damp. The whole of the exterior 
of the casino is covered with exquisite and varied stucco ornamentation, frescoes and mosaics, 
carried out by a band of excellent artists under the direction of Marc Antonio Amulio, a Venetian 
who, in 1561, was decorated by Pope Pius IV. for his services. 
