CCR Walks: Farnesina in Trastevere - A Renaissance Villa - May 20, 2026

A foray into the charmed life of Agostino Chigi, the Sienese moneylender who became the Pope’s banker and was known as “richest man in Christendom.” His suburban villa, now called “Farnesina in Trastevere,” was inspired by ancient Roman villas. It was frescoed by Raphael and other leading artists with works celebrating Agostino’s good fortune and his meteoric career in Renaissance Rome. The Farnesina became the setting for luxurious banquets, tragic love stories, and artistic debate. Miraculously surviving the dramatic events which marked the end of Renaissance in Rome, the Villa and the gardens have recently been restored and help bring that lost world back to life.

Art historian and author Olivia Ercoli will guide us through this beautiful ancient villa.

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time: 10:30 (please arrive by 10:15)

Meeting Place: registered participants will be informed of the exact spot by email. 

Cost: CCR members €15, non-members €22 includes guided tour and entrance fee to Villa Farnesina. Advance payment required by Friday, May 16.  

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com  ATTN Linda.

CCR Walks with Olivia: The Hidden Frescoes in San Giovanni a Porta Latina - March 9, 2013

San Giovanni a Porta Latina

 Our March walk takes us to San Giovanni a Porta Latina one of Rome's most picturesque churches nestled close to the Aurelian walls. This church is dedicated to St John the Evangelist who, it is believed, miraculously remained unscathed after being plunged into boiling oil. The spot marking this miraculous event is now occupied by a small octagonal building designed by Borromini. Our visit will focus on recently discovered and restored frescoes found under layers of old plaster in the Medieval church. These fascinating frescoes show Bible stories dating from 1191-98 and help shed light upon a little-known period of Rome's artistic and cultural history.

When: Saturday, March 9, 2013 

Where: Meet at Caffé NINI, via Latina 23 (just outside the walls), famous for its chocolate diamond truffle. 
Time: 10 a.m. The walk lasts two and a half hours, starting promptly at 10 a.m. (and concluding around 12:30); those who would like to meet for coffee beforehand, please join us at Caffé Ninì at 9:30 a.m. 
Cost of the guided walk: €10 for CCR members, €15 for non-members 
RVSP required by Thu. March 7th, ATTN Linda at canadarome@gmail.com or Olivia Ercoli at oliviaercoli1@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation. 
NOTE: Please bring correct change, familiarize yourself with the meeting place ahead of time and make sure you are ready to depart promptly. We suggest that you not bring your dogs since they are not allowed in churches.