A historic Roman treasure reopens after nearly 50 years, restored with care and cultural reverence
On May 6, the Grotto of Diana will reopen at Villa d’Este following nearly half a century of closure and two years of restoration. The revival of this Renaissance marvel was made possible through the efforts of the Autonomous Institute of Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este – VILLÆ and the support of Fendi, a maison deeply rooted in Italy’s cultural fabric.
Originally constructed between 1570 and 1572, the Grotto—located near the Palace of Ippolito d’Este—has remained inaccessible since the 1980s. Its return signals not just the reopening of a space, but the reawakening of a historic dialogue between art, nature, and craftsmanship.
“This restoration aims to explore and decode the countless layers of meaning at Villa d’Este, highlighting how this place continues to radiate its magnificent beauty while occasionally revealing the sophisticated cultural vision that inspired it… The recovery of the Grotto of Diana ensures that this treasure becomes accessible once more to the public,” said Andrea Bruciati, Director of the Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este Institute. “At its core, an all-encompassing aesthetic experience reveals the value of an artwork—shifting from private enjoyment to public significance… made possible thanks to the heartfelt support of Fendi.”
Fendi’s involvement is both a tribute and a timely gesture, as the house celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
“The restoration of the Grotto of Diana at Villa d’Este is, for Fendi, an act of love… 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,” said Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear at Fendi.
The Grotto itself is a richly decorated architectural jewel nestled within the gardens of Villa d’Este. Its cross-shaped plan features vaulted chambers, intricate fountains, and storytelling bas-reliefs drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Materials such as shells, mineral crusts, and semi-precious stones create vivid, multi-textural mosaics, enhanced by marine scenes and symbolic imagery—most notably a white eagle, representing the Este family.
The restoration, which began in autumn 2023, addressed structural fragility, mosaic damage, and environmental wear. A new glass panel was added to the loggia overlooking Rome to shield the grotto from wind erosion. Additionally, the lighting was reimagined to emphasize the Grotto’s contemplative and otherworldly atmosphere.
With this restoration, the Grotto of Diana is more than a recovered space—it’s a reminder of Italy’s living heritage, where fashion, history, and art continue to coexist in powerful dialogue.
