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Bruttii Praesentes Villa in Scandriglia: the residence of an imperial family in Sabina
The remains of the Villa dei Bruttii Praesentes are to be found a few miles from Scandriglia, among the olive groves of the Sabina region. This was no ordinary Roman villa, but an enormous residential complex that belonged to one of the most powerful families in Rome. Its ruins, open to visitors today, tell a story of political ascent, wealth, and direct ties to the imperial dynasty.
A family close to the throne
The original owner, Gaius Bruttius Praesens, was a senator and a personal friend of Emperor Hadrian. His family rose to such prominence that his daughter, Bruttia Crispina, married Emperor Commodus in 178 AD. Initial excavations, carried out in 1824, revealed the extraordinary richness of the site, bringing to light nearly eighty statues.
What can be seen today
Walking through the site, visitors can admire the impressive structures built in opus mixtum, the construction technique alternating bricks and small tuff blocks. A private avenue once connected the villa to the Via Salaria. The area is vast. Still visible are parts of the atrium with painted plasterwork and the remains of a water collection system.
An artistic treasure in Copenhagen
Most of the villa’s treasures, after passing through the Borghese collection, were sold in 1897. Today they form one of the core collections of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, where they are still on display. It is a heritage that has left Italy almost completely.
The archaeological area has no fixed opening hours. It is advisable to contact the Municipality of Scandriglia for information.
