The Farnese Palace is situated directly above the town of Caprarola, dominating its surroundings. Caprarola has always been an expression of Farnese’s power and the palace is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture. You will be able to walk the spiral staircase called Scala Regia or the "Royal Stairs" and see the Piano dei Prelati floor, which leads to the broad terrace. You can witness the amazing frescoes of the winter suite, the famous "Room of the World Map" or “Sala del Mappamondo”, displaying the world as it was in 1574 when the frescoes were completed. Gaze at the depiction of the continents on one side of the wall while the wall opposite the planisphere is devoted to the lands where Christianity and the church originated, Judea and Italy. The Royal Staircase is next and is already being hailed as a masterpiece of Vignola's, having been imitated several times throughout history. The most original aspect of the structure is its helicoidal structure inspired by Bramante's great "snail" in the Vatican. The gardens of the villa are as impressive as the building itself, a significant example of a Renaissance Italian garden. They sit behind the palace and are divided into a winter garden and a summer garden. A walk through the chestnut woods leads to the "giardino segreto", or secret garden, with its 28 statues. At the end of your tour, it will be possible to have lunch in the Caprarola city center, where you can taste authentic, local food. Upgrade your tour to include a visit to the Monster Park in Bomarzo and the beautiful renaissance garden of Villa Lante, Viterbo, by selecting the option when booking.