Author: Anna Di Ciaccio
On 9th June 2025, the European Physical Society (EPS) designated Villa Mondragone an “EPS Historic Site” in recognition of its significant role in scientific history. During the official ceremony, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Rector of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Prof. Nathan Levialdi Ghiron, and the EPS President, Prof. Mairi Sakellariadou.
Located in the Alban Hills and built in 1574 as a papal summer residence, the villa has been a site of major scientific milestones: Pope Gregory XIII signed the bull introducing the Gregorian calendar there in 1582; in 1611, Galileo used his telescope to make public demonstrations of his astronomical discoveries; and in 1932, Guglielmo Marconi conducted pioneering microwave experiments that led to the world’s first microwave telephone link between the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo.
Now owned by the University of Rome Tor Vergata since 1981 and used as a conference centre, the villa hosted a symposium after the ceremony, chaired by Prof. Anna Di Ciaccio (EPS Executive Committee member and key promoter of the initiative). Talks highlighted the site’s scientific legacy, with contributions from several scholars, including a historical account of Marconi’s experiments and reflections on the villa’s continuing role in fostering innovation and interdisciplinary dialogue.
- EPS Historic Sites Programme
- Image credit: Anna Di Ciaccio
