Garden Retreats III: The Italian Mannerist Casino
When we hear the word “casino” today, we naturally think of gambling. The weird cacophony of slot machines comes to mind, as does the marketing phrase ” What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. In 16th century Rome, however, the casino had a different meaning entirely.
The restoration of the papacy to Rome in the 15th century saw the return of the leading noble familes to the beleaguered city. Much like the counterparts on the continent, the “Princes of Rome”, the cardinals, sought to consolidate their wealth and political influence. Vast estates were carved from the ancient ruins and vigne, small market gardens of the Medieval period. The fortified estate gave way to the expansive villa, combining the economics of farming with pleasure grounds in imitation of their classic predecessors. Rome was once again the center of power, but it was to its environs that the wealthy and powerful retreated to escape the heat and miasma of the city.
Begun in 1566 in Bagnaia, the Villa Lante is attributed to one of the great Mannerist architects of the period, Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. The exaggerated, self conscious theatricality which so characterized the Mannerist style is supreme at Villa Lante. On the lower level, paired casini or small villas rest above a parterre of clipped box. Elaborate water courses, pools and basins which grace the property are a triumph of hydraulic engineering. The higher levels of the garden are forested and planted with flowering shubs concealing mossy grottos with the sound of dripping water. It was here in the upper reaches of the complex that Vignola built a casino (from casina, or little house) to enjoy the summer breezes and shady prospect. Much imitated in the following centuries, Vignola’s casino at Villa Lante is considered a model of classical perfection.
In the Vatican Gardens in Rome, a contemporary of Vignola, Pirro Ligorio, built a Casino for the pope known as casino Pia Vi or Villa Pia. Ligorio had worked with Vignola at the Villa Lante and was a passionate authority on Roman antiquities. Executed in high Mannerist style, the casino is a tour de force of spatial arrangement, classical orders and adorment.
The Casinos of 16th century Rome were not only sybaritic pleasure pavilions, but an expression of power and erudition. Infused by the philosophy of Humanism which embraced the learning of the ancient Romans and Greeks, the architects and their clients sought to recreate the classical ideal. Today in examining the period, one is tempted to “place oneself in their shoes” to gain a better understanding and perpective. How they must have marveled at the splendid ruins and wondered how all of that could have been lost?
