Restorers Uncover 16th-Century Nude Frescoes Hidden by Nuns in Rome's Villa Silvestri Rivaldi
Restorers working in the Villa Silvestri Rivaldi, a Renaissance residence a short walk from the Colosseum in Rome, are bringing back to light a series of 16th-century frescoes full of nude gods, goddesses and mythological scenes that were painted over some 300 years ago by the nuns who then owned the building, The Art Newspaper reported on 28 September 2026. The paintings are thought to be by leading artists of the time, probably including Perino del Vaga, one of Raphael's closest assistants. Quick facts What: 16th-century mythological frescoes uncovered during restoration Where: Villa Silvestri Rivaldi, near the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, Rome When: Full-scale restoration under way in 2026; guided visits to the work in progress Who: Istituto Centrale per il Restauro; Lazio Region and Italian Ministry of Culture Section: Discoveries & Restorations What happened According to The Art Newspaper, the villa was built in the mid-16th century for Eurialo Silvestri, an...