here’s what it is and how to visit it
Rome is a city of a thousand resources. Over centuries of history, it also boasts many other attractions, which have nothing to do with the Roman Empire, but are equally fascinating.
In particular, in the capital there is a house that seems to come straight out of one of the fairy tales that enchanted us as children. The casina, which is more like a villa, allows you to enter a sort of parallel and enchanted world.
Every corner of the hotel was decorated and embellished with elegant floral details and fantastic animals.
In short, this little house, located in the heart of Rome, seems to have come out of the pages of a fairy tale. Known for its unique architecture and intricate decorations, this Art Nouveau construction leaves its visitors literally breathless. Visiting it is an unforgettable experiencea unique opportunity to enter an enchanted world and discover the hidden treasures of one of the most fascinating buildings in Rome.
In Rome there is a house that seems to come out of fairy tales: that’s what it is
The house that seems to come out of fairy tales and is located right in the heart of the capital is called House of Owls. In reality, to be precise, the construction is also known by other names: the most common are Casetta or Casina delle Civette.
Prince Torlonia, in 1908, chose it as his home, where he lived until his departure. By order of the prince, the old Swiss Hut, built in the 19th century, was refurbished for the purpose.
This particular story gave the Casina delle Civette different architectural styles. What characterizes it most is the Liberty. The Casa delle Civette is in fact embellished with floral details and typical elements of this style.
However, always at the wish of the prince, decorative details were also used that follow the neo-medieval style.
The structure has become famous for the presence of numerous owls, who helped give it its name. These little nocturnal animals have been carved into the facade of the building.
The choice of this decorative element is not accidental: owls have been used as decorative elements because they symbolize wisdom and knowledge.
Once inside, you can explore the rooms of the building to discover the house’s hidden treasures, including frescoed ceilings, mosaic floors and colored windows.
Casa delle civette: how to visit it and costs
After the death of Prince Torlonia, the Casina delle Civette experienced a period of abandonment. However, it was acquired by the Municipality of Rome and restored in 1997.
It is currently used to host exhibitions and cultural events, as it is part of the complex called “Museums of Villa Torlonia”.
Entrance to the Casa delle Civette is therefore subject to a feebut the architectural marvels of the building are definitely worth this expense.
Among other things, to be enchanted by its fairy-tale beauty, the prices are not excessively high, if we consider the fact that it is one of the most particular beauties of the capital.
The entrance ticket for the Casa delle Civette costs 6 euros. With this amount you also have the right to visit the relevant museum. The reduced, in this case, has a price of 5 euros. We remember to residents within the confines of Rome Capital that discounts are provided for Romans. Specifically, you can access the little house with a full price ticket of 5 euros, while the price of the reduced ticket is set at 4 euros.
For those who, on the other hand, intend to buy a single ticket to visit both this house that seems to come from the world of fairy tales and the Casino Nobile (and related exhibitions), the price is 9.50 euros. Also in this case the access to the ticket is foreseen reduced, at the price of 7.50 euros.
Residents within the confines of Rome can instead purchase this single ticket at the price of 8.50 euros (while the reduced ticket costs 6.50 euros).
When is the best time to visit the House of the owls?
But is there a better time to visit the Casina delle Civette? Actually, not exactly.
But it must be done Pay attention to planned closures. The structure is indeed closed to the public every Monday. There are also pre-set annual closing days, i.e Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and May Day.
As for the days of December 24 and of the 31 December the House is open for visits only in the morningfrom 10.00 to 14.00.
Therefore, in case you visit Rome during the Christmas period, you have to pay attention to all these closures.
Basichowever, the Casina delle Civette is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 19.00.
Whatever the period chosen to visit the Casa delle Civette, it is still an unforgettable experience, a unique opportunity to enter an enchanted world and discover the hidden treasures of one of the most fascinating buildings in Rome.
Read also: Not only the Colosseum, here is what to see that is particular and unusual in Rome