Cugini a Roma, But Palazzo Farnese First

| B+B

06-10 May 2026

Food on the road. We actually enjoy these places.
Recent rain = muddy rivers
Po Valley = Rice

Villa Farnese

Bonnie plotted a stop to see this architectural jewel, also known for its gardens. Cardinal Alexander Farnese, grandson of the pope, found this site in the town of Caprarola to be just the right distance for avoiding political conflict but staying in the loop. For use it was about ninety minutes by car from Rome

In the mid 1500s the cardinal commissioned an enormous villa by the architect Vignola for his family (yes, female partner and children) on top of the foundations of a fortress. (The five-sided villa is said to be the inspiration for the Pentagon.) He was so rich and powerful that he even rebuilt the town below to provide a better setting for the villa. The villa is sometimes used in films.

Lodging in Montesacro

A different Airbnb from our lodging in April.
Only a few blocks from our cousins Luciana and Adriana in the Montesacro neighborhood of Rome.

Returned the Rental Car

3,315 kilometers (2,760 miles) plus stairs Robert took on his walk back.

Wanderings with the Cousins

Two trips to the post office, with reserved times, to mail some loot we bought. The first time they rejected the two packages because they were not properly wrapped in paper. Thank goodness Luciana was willing to help navigate the Italian system.

Pinsa Anyone?

Liam’s birthday present and then coffee.

Dinner at Gino Primo’s with his Sister Marisa

Porta di Roma

Robert was despondent that he would not be visiting the big Porta di Roma on this trip. But Marta intervened because on the spur of the moment she needed to make a short visit to the shopping center. Robert invited himself to join her and Luciana.

Last Dinner Out

Colazione

Cafe latte + cornetto con crema = $4.12

Next Stop—Roma Centro

One thought on “Cugini a Roma, But Palazzo Farnese First”

  1. While I’m reading your post you have already flown to Scotland. We had a short but very happy time together. Montesacro is waiting for your next trip!! The sidewalks will certainly have been finished!!😂

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