After nearly half a century of closure, the Grotto of Diana at Villa d’Este will reopen to the public on May 6, 2025, following a two-year restoration led by the Autonomous Institute Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este – VILLÆ. The project was made possible with the support of Fendi, as part of the Maison’s ongoing commitment to preserving Italy’s artistic heritage.

Built between 1570 and 1572, the Grotto is one of Villa d’Este’s hidden treasures—an ornate space where art, mythology, and nature intertwine. Located beneath the Loggia of the Winds, the cross-shaped grotto features caryatids, fountains, vaulted ceilings, and a panoramic loggia overlooking Rome. The space is richly decorated with mosaics of shells, glass paste, semi-precious stones, and marine scenes inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

The restoration focused on both conservation and enhancement, from reinforcing fragile structures to installing a protective glass panel and a new lighting system designed to reveal the grotto’s depth and detail.

“The restoration of the Grotto of Diana at Villa d’Este is, for FENDI, an act of love” said Silvia Venturini Fendi. “Deeply rooted in Rome, where our Maison’s foundations and creative heart have been since 1925, this project represents another investment in the future that begins with memory of the past: a commitment to preserving the beauty and history of our country, passing this precious monument on to future generations.”

With its reopening, the Grotto of Diana revives its place as a space of wonder and reflection—an immersive journey through art and imagination.

 fendi.com

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