Pauline Bonaparte’s summer residence is a place that has encased every form of art ever since its creation.
Legend tells that she had the villa be built a few feet away from the place where the corpse of Shelley, one of Napoleon’s sister’s favorite poets, was found.
Also named “Il rifugio di Venere” (“Venus’ inn”), the mansion was the meeting place for the princess and her lover, the musician Giovanni Pacini, who lived not far away.
Artists and musicians were always welcome in Paolina’s house, and even today the building is a culture hub, hosting the city museum and a contemporary art gallery.
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