The extraordinary Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola east of beautiful Lago di Vico is one of numerous palaces, villas, and fortresses built by the influential Farnese family. Originally a minor family from the ordinary little town of Farnese east of Capalbio, they rose in importance during the Renaissance through papal privilege, marriage, political shenanigans, and battlefield loyalty.

Among their members were a pope, dukes, cardinals, a governor of The Netherlands, and a queen of Spain. The palace in Caprarola and its luxurious gardens took almost fifty years to build, destroyed half a hill and rammed a straight road through the town below for the view, and was worked on by the best painters, architects, and builders of the day.