A valuable architectural space from the Baroque era in the heart of the Villa Borghese park is returning to its original splendor. A restoration and enhancement intervention that lasted about four months and was financed with the contribution of IZI SpA has allowed the Giardino delle Erme (Garden of the Hermes), also known as the Fourth Secret Garden and part of the complex of 17th-century “Secret Gardens” created to display rare and exotic flowers, to reopen to the public.
In addition to the installation of a new artistic lighting system, work involved the monumental entrance gate to the garden. In the so-called Exedra of the Dragons, so named for the presence of two dragons that were the heraldic symbol of the Borghese family, the 17th-century gate, the original plasterwork and paintwork were recovered. During the work, the rich stucco decoration, consisting of the cornices, copies of Roman herms added in the 19th century and travertine spheres embellishing the attic, was also restored.
The elegant fountain placed in the center of the garden at the beginning of the 20th century as a perspective backdrop was also the object of intervention. The Roman-era basin was freed of thick layers of limestone and concretions, bringing to light the original marble surface. The restoration of the water supply and drainage system then made it possible to reactivate the fountain after years of inactivity.
Giardino delle Erme is open and can be visited every day from 27 June from 8 am to 7 pm.
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