Monday 22 March, Maestro Uto Ughi visited the Magistral Villa, accompanied by our Permanent Observer at ICCROM, Gaia Bay Rossi. The Maestro was received – observing the due anti Covid-19 measures – by Ambassador Stefano Ronca, Counsellor Moroello Diaz della Vittoria Pallavicini and Marina Favale.

In an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship, he visited the Villa, the gardens and also the “Pozzo dei Templari”. He was able to admire the Church of Santa Maria del Piranesi. Ambassador Ronca reconstructed the Order’s history and the traditions that have accompanied it for centuries, dwelling on the artistic originality of the works and geometries that blend into the architecture of the Magistral Villa.

The Maestro, who was then given publications on the Order and the Villa, commented:

“The magic of this place is enhanced by its history, which has left an indelible trace over the centuries as a spiritual heritage. An inexhaustible flame that will be fanned into the future. Because, as Gustave Mahler said, “tradition is not the cult of ashes but the guardianship of fire“.

A walk through the historic corridor of plants (visible from the famous “keyhole”, which frames the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica) and a view from the balcony on the magnificent view of Rome preceded the ritual photos and final greetings.

Maestro Uto Ughi thanked the Order of Malta for the enchanting morning, saying: “It was a marvellous experience to be able to evoke a glorious, almost millenary period of this religious order which leaves an indelible sign of spiritual strength in its continuous charitable initiatives for those in need”.