Twilight at La Posta Vecchia, once the villa of John Paul Getty (wikipedia) |
LADISPOLI, iTALY — Tucked away on the
outskirts of Rome, just a short drive from Fiumucino International Airport,
sits a magnificent 17th century villa that was once part
of the ancient port city of Alsium. Originally the port was Etruscan but later
became Roman.
Overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this grand seaside
palace known as La Posta Vecchia (the old post house), was sold in 1693 and
devastated by fire in 1918 before industrialist John Paul Getty renovated it
into his private resort residence in the 1960s.
The main entrance beckons visitors to enter (Leading Hotels of the World) |
The former carriage house for mail
stages traveling along the coast north of Rome ,
is much more than the contemporary, elegant 5-star hotel it has become since
Getty's death, however.
J. Paul Getty (wikipedia) |
When the eccentric billionaire took
ownership, he discovered beneath the floors of his new home, the ruins of two
2nd century Roman villas.
Intrigued by his discovery, Getty
began excavating the property under the supervision of the Archaeological Authority only to unearth
remains of colorful mosaics and a stunning array of African and Greek marble
including a vast collection of plates and vases.
Artifacts abound beneath La Posta Vecchia (Pelicano Hotels) |
Further research showed that La Posta
Vecchia had been built over the ruins of an ancient Roman
City in the town of Palo Laziale .
Rather than give his priceless
discovery to a museum, Getty converted the basement of his villa into a private
museum which is now an intricate feature to be enjoyed by guests and visitors
to La Posta Vecchia.
Mosaics were part of the discovery (Pelicano Hotels) |
Given the size of the ruins and the
type of artifacts that were uncovered, it is believed that the original
structure once belonged to a wealthy and influential Roman nobleman. As such,
that part of La Posta Vecchia's legacy continues into the 21st century.
By the 17th century the outbuildings
of Odescalchi Castle had been built over the original
villa and the two Roman estates disappeared until Getty unearthed his buried
treasure.
Entrance to the ruins at La Posta Vecchia (wikipedia) |
In essence, this story is uniquely
Italian, for much like the country itself, La Posta Vecchia has undergone its
own Renaissance.
Getty, along with art historian
Federico Zeri, lovingly appointed the living spaces of the villa with a mixture
of contemporary and classical furnishings. Each guest room is unique with a
full compliment of 16th and 17th century furniture. Rooms are bright and
spacious with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea .
Stunning indoor pool (Pelicano Hotels) |
Much of the charm of La Posta Vecchia however, lies in its
lack of pretense. Though elegant and sophisticated with its state-of-the-art
facilities, it is not ostentatious or pompous in its character. Here is a place
where comfort is of the essence, amid a casual atmosphere that blends
harmoniously with virtually every century of La Posta Vecchia's history.
Relaxing by the sea (wikipedia) |
The hotel today is
essentially as Getty left it, with few of the trappings of the modern hotel
industry other than the necessities required for comfortable contemporary
living. La Posta Vecchia thrives within its own authenticity.
La Posta Vecchia specializes in dining and weddings (Pelicano Hotels) |
Amenities include a
private beach, a stunning indoor pool where you can watch the sunrise if you
like, horseback riding in the surf and boat services along the picturesque
coastline.
Seaside luxury and elegance await at La Posta Vecchia (Pelicano Hotels) |
Tennis courts are
available on the grounds and golf can be arranged at a nearby course. The spa
is also a top-notch facility for those interested in participating in wellness
as only Italy
can offer it.
The underground treasure of two Roman villas (Pelicano Hotels) |
Keep in mind that you
are not isolated from culinary delights at the villa however. The Cesar
Restaurant has a Michelin-rated kitchen that will satisfy the most
discriminating of palates.
Manicured landscaping, Roman architecture and elegant surroundings are hallmarks of La Posta Vecchia (Pelicano Hotels) |
Here's a tip, even if
you prefer a closer proximity to Rome's vibrancy and amenities, consider
treating yourself to a gala farewell adventure before departing for home the
next day.
Traffic will
probably be lighter and so will your heart because La Posta Vecchia is one of
those lifetime memories you will never forget.