It’s no wonder the building that now houses the Finnish Institute in Rome is the work of one of Rafael’s pupils, Giulio Romano. Built by the Lante family in the Renaissance period, Villa Lante al Gianicolo is a stunning building that greets its visitors with original wall frescos and a vast ceiling mural created for the first aristocratic family to inhabit the house.
Many important figures from around Rome lived or frequented the villa before the Finnish state purchased it. Built as a vacation home, it has a rich history and was built so that all the rooms incorporated architecture, sculpture and painting. The Borghese family crest still remains on the ceiling, as they enjoyed a short stay in the building, which was followed by the Nuns of the Holy Heart and the Medici family.
In 1950, Amos Anderson, a Finnish man, provided a donation and started the Finnish Institute to allow Finnish people to study and do research in Rome. In 1954 the doors to the institute opened. The central activities of the Institute are research and education particularly in the classical studies. The main disciplines are ancient and medieval history, classical philology, classical archaeology and art history – the Institute is particularly well-known for its epigraphic. In addition, the Institute is a residence for more than a hundred students, researchers and artists annually.
The institute hosts concerts, conferences and other cultural happenings, including the annual concert series L’Orecchio di Giano which this year marks the event’s 17th edition.
On 21 and 22 June the Finnish Institute will celebrate Finland’s one hundred years of independence at the event “Ballo in Villa Lante”. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/300510043714972
Used primarily for concerts the institute hosts, the balcony features a breathtaking view overlooking the city and is one of the best views of Rome. Many educational programs and lecture events are held in the villa, free of charge and open to the public.
INSTITUTUM ROMANUM FINLANDIAE
Passeggiata del Gianicolo, 10
