The historic Grotto of Diana at Villa d’Este in Italy is set to reopen to the public on the 6th of May following nearly five decades of closure and a two-year restoration effort made possible by the support of luxury Maison FENDI.
Constructed between 1570 and 1572 near the Palace of Ippolito d’Este, the Grotto of Diana is an ornate space where classical architecture and rich decorative art converge. Located in the upper garden beneath the Loggia of the Winds, the Grotto includes a cross-vaulted central area, flanked by three arms featuring bas-reliefs, fountains, and caryatids. It offers sweeping views of the Roman countryside, from Mount Soratte to the Castelli Romani.
The restoration, driven by the Autonomous Institute Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este – VILLÆ, began in 2023. It involved detailed conservation of mosaics, glass tiles, ceramic flooring, sculptures, and the structure itself, many elements of which had been significantly compromised over time. Among the most notable additions is a protective glass panel in the loggia, shielding the site from wind erosion, and a new lighting system designed to accentuate the Grotto’s original atmosphere.
Andrea Bruciati, Director of the Institute, said the restoration aimed to “highlight how this place continues to radiate its magnificent beauty” and transform individual appreciation into shared cultural experience. The site’s complex decorative cycle draws heavily from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, with eleven figurative scenes, shell and stone mosaics, and symbolic imagery such as a white eagle representing the Este family.
Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, called the project “an act of love” and part of a centennial celebration of FENDI’s long-standing commitment to Italian cultural heritage. The Maison, founded in Rome in 1925, has played a prominent role in the restoration of significant historical landmarks including the Trevi Fountain and the Temple of Venus and Rome.
This latest initiative reflects FENDI’s ongoing dedication to preserving national heritage through partnerships with major cultural institutions. As Bruciati noted, the Grotto’s reopening marks not only the recovery of a historical treasure but a renewed commitment to making such heritage accessible for future generations.
