Villa Mondragone, located near Rome in the Castelli Romani area, stands as a testament to history, culture, and humanitarian legacy. Built in 1573 by Cardinal Mark Sittich von Hohenems Altemps on the ruins of a Roman villa of the Quintilli, it was later used as a papal residence. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII signed the papal bull that established the Gregorian calendar here, naming the villa after the dragon in his coat of arms. Under the Borghese family, it reached its peak splendor, becoming a hub for art and antiquities. Villa Mondragone also witnessed Galileo Galilei’s optical experiments and Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering radio transmissions. Over centuries, it hosted notable figures, including Pope Paul V and George Sand.
In 1912, the Jesuits, who operated a school at the villa, discreetly sold the mysterious Voynich manuscript to fund restorations. During WWII, the villa became a sanctuary for Jewish children, thanks to Father Raffaele de Ghantuz Cubbe, who protected them under false identities. This act of bravery earned Villa Mondragone the designation of “Casa di Vita” by the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation in 2015. Today, as part of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, the villa seamlessly integrates its historical and cultural significance with its academic role.
- Address
Via Frascati, 51, Monte Porzio Catone, Italy - Web
https://villamondragone.it/ - Visiting Hours
Everyday from 8:00 to 15:00 - What to see
Villa, gardens
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