Business magnate Tilman Fertitta resides in the Ambassador's residence following an extended stay on a luxury yacht.
New U.S. Ambassador to Italy Moves into Historic Villa Taverna
Tilman Fertitta, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Italy, has moved into Villa Taverna, the official residence of the U.S. ambassador to Italy. The historic villa, located in the heart of Rome, boasts a 7-acre property adorned with manicured gardens and a Baroque fountain.
Fertitta, of Sicilian descent, had been living 40 miles northwest of Rome's city center off the coast of Civitavecchia, aboard his 252-foot superyacht, Boardwalk. The luxury vessel, valued at approximately $150 million, is equipped with amenities like a full-sized pool, wine cellar, gym, beach club, and an onboard helicopter. Fertitta commuted to official engagements by helicopter, avoiding Rome's traffic and travel delays.
The interior of Villa Taverna is a testament to history, featuring a 3rd century Roman stone coffin, ancient Egyptian granite columns, and 300-year-old busts of Roman emperors. Fertitta, during the renovations, installed a new curated art collection, led by Gary Tinterow, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. The collection includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Frederic Remington, and John Singer Sargent, underscoring Fertitta's belief that art can serve as a bridge between Italian and American cultures.
Fertitta's move into Villa Taverna marks a return to tradition, enriched by a cultural mission through art. His decision to initially reside on his superyacht highlights a modern and unconventional approach to diplomatic residence, emphasizing mobility and personal preference.
As the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Fertitta is tasked with building diplomatic relations with Italy, promoting U.S. interests and values, safeguarding U.S. citizens, and managing the embassy. With an estimated net worth of $11 billion, Fertitta's business empire includes Landry's, the NBA Houston Rockets, and eight Golden Nugget casinos in six states.
Fertitta's philanthropic efforts extend beyond Villa Taverna. He has given almost half a million dollars to Trump's 2024 campaign and $349,050 to the Republican National Committee. His appointment and move into Villa Taverna are significant steps in strengthening U.S.-Italy relations and fostering cultural diplomacy.
[References] 1. The New York Times 2. Bloomberg 3. The Art Newspaper 4. Forbes 5. CNN
- Tilman Fertitta, now the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, has made his residence in Rome's historic Villa Taverna, previously living aboard his superyacht, Boardwalk, 40 miles northwest of the city.
- Villa Taverna, situated in Rome, houses a 7-acre property with manicured gardens and a Baroque fountain, and was selected by Fertitta for its rich historical significance.
- Fertitta, of Sicilian descent, brought in Gary Tinterow, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, to curate a new art collection for the villa, which includes works by renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Frederic Remington, and John Singer Sargent.
- Prior to moving into Villa Taverna, Fertitta was known for commuting to official engagements by helicopter from his luxury superyacht located off the coast of Civitavecchia.
- As ambassador, Fertitta is responsible for fostering relationships with Italy, promoting U.S. interests, safeguarding U.S. citizens, and managing the embassy, in addition to his extensive business ventures that include Landry's, the NBA Houston Rockets, and eight Golden Nugget casinos across various states.
- Fertitta's philanthropic contributions go beyond Villa Taverna, demonstrated by donations to the Trump 2024 campaign and the Republican National Committee, amounting to nearly half a million dollars and $349,050 respectively.
- Fertitta's move into Villa Taverna signifies a blend of tradition and modernity, representing a cultural mission and his personal approach to diplomatic residence, while simultaneously influencing U.S.-Italy relations and cultural diplomacy. [References: The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Art Newspaper, Forbes, CNN]
