La Neviera di Villa Giulia: proposte d'intervento per la conservazione e la reintegrazione nel percorso museale

The Villa Giulia’s hypogeous ambient known as Neviera is a unicum in the Roman architectural scene. Despite subsequent changes in its function, it was likely conceived originally as a secret nymphaeum. Embellished with fine stucco decorations, it is a valuable architectural structure that deserves to be viewed by all. Nonetheless, it has remained closed to the public ever since the Villa Giulia was converted into a museum in 1889, soon after Rome became the capital of Italy. The extension of the museum’s building, the prescriptions of Rome’s land-use plan, and the use of the grotto, even today, as a depository have endangered its preservation, menacing its survival as an architectural site. This precarious state of conservation was addressed 30 years ago by a massive restoration campaign, which didn’t solve the problem. This paper aims to present some new proposals for interventions, based on the strengths of the previous restoration works, while using both traditional methods and new technologies. The objective is the preservation and continuity of the Neviera as a location of historical and artistic significance, making it an integral part of the villa’s museum complex.