Art Lovers with a Nose for Hidden Codes Head to Italy's Villa Vecchia Near Rome. TRAVEL SNOB TRAVEL BLOG

Like Da Vinci, Michaelangelo had something to hide.

"The Da Vinci code has awakened interest in finding the inner meaning, the secret information, other messages hidden in works of art," explains Dr. Angelo Boccardelli, the President of Fondazione Giacomo Maria Ugolini-Ambasciatore, an institution devoted to the study of the mystery of man and the development of human potential. After 25 years of research, Boccardelli maintains he now has cracked the "secret code" hidden in Michaelangelo's work. "The result of my research, will shed light and will open doors to a new way to understand Michelangelo, and any other great master."

Based in the Republic of San Marino, and in Monteporzio Catone, near Rome, the foundation makes its home in Villa Vecchia, a patrician villa originally purchased in 1575 by the Farnese Family as a residence. It was later restored by Vignola, one of the great Italian Architects of 16th century Mannerism, and was once a retreat of Pope Gregorious XIII. Today, it's a boutique hotel hosting art seminars focusing on Michaelangelo and the Italian Renaissance. "Our guests are art enthusiasts, and our programs are tailored both for discerning art lovers and for artists in the closet," notes Boccardelli. "We offer great programs, great food, great fun at a surprisingly affordable price."

For more info about Villa Vecchia, visit VillaVecchia.it.

- The Travel Snob