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Villa Doria Pamphili in Albano Laziale: a public park on top of the remains of Pompey the Great
Villa Doria Pamphili in Albano Laziale is one of the largest public parks in the Castelli Romani area. Here, different historical eras overlap: emerging from the lush greenery are the remains of Roman structures traditionally attributed to be a villa owned by Pompey the Great (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus). In the modern era, Cardinal Fabrizio Paolucci established the property in the 18th century as a suburban noble villa. It was later acquired by the Doria family, who added the palazzina facing the Appian Way, and landscaped the surrounding park.
The war, the lost palace, and the park today
On 9 September 1943, a detachment of the "Piacenza" Infantry Division set up camp here, before being dispersed by German forces. On 1 February 1944, Allied bombings struck the palazzina and damaged it severely. In 1951, the local Municipality razed what remained of the ruins to the ground. Since then, the park has been open to the public. Today, it welcomes visitors all year round, and during the summer it comes alive, with outdoor concerts and theatrical performances.
