We are in what we call the Emperor's Belvedere, and now I will explain why. From here, we can admire the full beauty of the green lawn, framed by flowerbeds and centuries-old trees, extending all the way to the villa's rear façade.
The older dogs used to tell us puppies that when the villa belonged to the Count Nuvoloni family, Emperor Napoleon III set up his headquarters here in 1859, during the Second Italian War of Independence.
It was a difficult time, and the emperor, between one meeting and another, often sought moments of rest and reflection for himself. In particular, he had a sofa brought here, and, away from everyone, guarded by his escort hidden among the boxwoods, he would enjoy his siesta, contemplating the crucial decisions for the fate of the war, immersed in the tranquillity of this enchanted place.