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Agro Veientano Museum: the history of Veii in a Renaissance palace
In the heart of Formello, in the Renaissance-style Palazzo Chigi, the Agro Veientano Museum brings the history of Veii to life in an innovative way. Here, history unfolds among 16th-century frescoes and interactive installations. The idea of the museum dates back to the 17th century, when Cardinal Flavio Chigi established his very own "Museum of natural, exotic and ancient curiosities" in this property.
A journey from the Bronze Age to the Baroque
The visitor route begins in the frescoed rooms of the piano nobile (main floor), with artefacts spanning from the Bronze Age to Republican Rome on display. Visitors then go down to the ground floor to discover mementoes of the Empire and the Baroque era. It is a true journey through time, room after room.
The medieval tower and Velly's engravings
But the visit does not end there. You can climb the 13th-century tower, "revisited" by architect Andrea Bruno, which also houses a section dedicated to the Via Francigena. And on the second floor, a surprise awaits: the Sala Velly, featuring the almost hypnotic engravings of artist Jean-Pierre Velly, displayed on a cyclical basis. An unexpected touch of contemporary art.
The museum is located in Palazzo Chigi, in the centre of Formello. In addition to the permanent collection, it hosts temporary exhibitions in the Ward Perkins Room. For opening hours, tickets and guided tours, visitors are advised to consult the museum's official website.
