Fendi to Restore Grotto of Diana at Villa d’Este, Tivoli
Fendi, the renowned Roman luxury Maison, is collaborating with Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este for the conservative restoration of the Grotto of Diana, set to commence in the coming months within the Estense Garden in Tivoli. The restoration aims to revive the intricate beauty of this historical site, enhancing accessibility and accommodating the needs of individuals with diverse disabilities through specialized pathways.
The Grotto of Diana, positioned in a picturesque locale within Villa d’Este—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001—is a significant cruciform plan nymphaeum. Constructed between 1570 and 1572 by Paolo Calandrino, likely inspired by architect Pirro Ligorio, it venerates the virtues of honest pleasure and chastity embodied by Diana, the goddess of the hunt. Intricately adorned with depictions from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, alongside Tritons, Nereids, and Caryatids canephorae, the grotto showcases a multifaceted décor using various materials like stuccoes, glazed tiles, and stone elements.
The Grotto of Diana holds historical importance as a pivotal model influencing the design of grottoes and nymphaea in European gardens during the 16th and 17th centuries. Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este found solace in these spaces, embodying the essence of late 16th-century Mannerist culture.
Andrea Bruciati, director of the Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este Autonomous Institute, underscores the restoration’s comprehensive nature. “Our intervention aims to protect and restore the intricate decorations, adjacent structures, and pathways, enabling a complete understanding of Villa d’Este.”
Serge Brunschwig, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, expresses pride in extending Fendi’s commitment to protecting Italian cultural heritage to Villa D’Este. He highlights Fendi’s legacy of restoring symbolic Roman landmarks and emphasizes the brand’s dedication to preserving beauty for future generations.
This collaboration aligns with the institute’s core mission of preserving cultural heritage. Andrea Bruciati underscores the significance of partnering with Fendi, a brand deeply rooted in the pursuit of beauty. Fendi’s previous ‘FENDI for Fountains’ initiative, restoring iconic fountains in Rome, stands as a testament to their commitment to preserving Italy’s cultural richness.
