Piazza Farnese

Rom · Italy · Urban site

A heavily cloaked figure crosses the square asking for Vannozza's inn — Pope Alexander VI is still searching for his mistress.

Rodrigo Borgia, who became Pope Alexander VI, kept Vannozza Cattanei at his side for many years; she was the mother of Cesare and Lucrezia and in later life ran inns in the streets between Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Farnese. He died in 1503 and she in 1518, and legend never lets him stop searching. On winter nights, when the square lies empty between the two granite basins from the Baths of Caracalla, a heavy figure in a long cloak is said to cross the paving and stop passers-by to ask where Vannozza's house is. Anyone who answers gets no reply — the figure moves on toward the alleys behind the square and is gone before you can turn around.

FAQ

Where is Piazza Farnese located?

Piazza Farnese is in Rom, Italy.