Romance of Roman Villas (The Renaissance)

"Romance of Roman Villas (The Renaissance)" by Elizabeth W. Champney is a journey back in time to explore the majestic, yet decaying, villas of Roman cardinals during the Renaissance. The book, a historical exploration from the early 20th century, paints a vivid picture of the architectural beauty and the exciting lives that once thrived within these walls. Champney centers the narrative on the captivating stories of the villas and the powerful figures who lived in them, from artists to nobles, with special attention to individuals such as Cesare Borgia and the strong-willed Caterina Sforza, whose stories capture the era’s dramatic struggles and political schemes. The author expertly mixes historical facts with detailed descriptions of the villas, creating a mesmerizing experience of art, romance, and the complex social scene of Renaissance Italy.