Rome’s museums are famous for their stunning art collections, but that’s just one aspect of the city’s allure. The true treasures lie within its magnificent palazzi. These grand buildings range from lavish aristocratic residences to embassies, all steeped in history, art, and breathtaking architecture. If you’re looking for a unique experience that often goes unnoticed, here are the top palaces in Rome to consider adding to your itinerary during your next visit to the Eternal City.
1. Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is more than a gallery; it also serves as the residence of the Doria Pamphilj prince. As you enter this palazzo, you’ll find yourself in the stunning Hall of Mirrors, adorned with gold-framed Venetian mirrors and beautiful statues. The gallery boasts one of the finest private art collections globally, featuring works by Velázquez, Caravaggio, and others. You can also explore the private apartments for an additional fee.
📍 Via del Corso, 305
🕒 Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun 10am-7pm
💰 €16 (+ €1 for online reservation)
🌐 doriapamphilj.it
2. Galleria Colonna
This Baroque palace is not just a gallery; it’s a historical narrative through the eyes of the Colonna family, one of Rome’s oldest dynasties. The highlight is the magnificent Grand Hall, showcasing the family’s wealth. Additionally, Princess Isabelle’s apartments offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of this noble family. Palazzo Colonna is a journey through time, where each room and piece of art tells a story of Rome’s rich heritage, making it a must-visit palace in the city.
📍 Via della Pilotta, 17
🕒 Sat 9:30am-1:15pm. Private tours on Friday
💰 €15 (short itinerary) or €25 (full itinerary)
🌐 galleriacolonna.it
3. Palazzo Lateranense (Lateran Palace)
Palazzo Lateranense served as the papal residence and the center of the Catholic Church for centuries before the Vatican was established. Located next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, this palace was originally a gift from Constantine to the Pope—serving as a pivotal location for Christianity over the ages. After the Avignon exile, this historic site was abandoned, leading to the Pope’s move to the Vatican. Notable events include the signing of the Lateran Pacts in 1929, a significant agreement between Italy and the Vatican, facilitated by Mussolini and Cardinal Gasparri, which established Vatican City’s sovereignty. The palace is adorned with frescoes that exemplify Renaissance and Baroque artistry, making it a monument to the intertwined stories of faith, art, and diplomacy.
📍 Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday
💰 €9 for accompanied entrance, €18 for guided tour
🌐 palazzolateranense.com
4. Palazzo Farnese
Palazzo Farnese, home to the French Embassy in Rome, is a Renaissance architectural masterpiece. Beyond its diplomatic significance, the palace is an art lover’s paradise, featuring “The Love of the Gods,” a stunning fresco by Carracci that decorates the ceiling of the main hall. The architecture, attributed to Sangallo and Michelangelo, is a splendid fusion of French and Italian design styles.
📍 Piazza Farnese, 67
🕒 Mon at 2:30pm/3:30pm/4:30pm or Wed & Fri at 2:30pm/3:30pm (reservations required, at least 5 days in advance)
💰 starting from €15
🌐 visite-palazzofarnese.it
5. Palazzo Spada
Palazzo Spada captivates visitors with its clever architecture. Home to the Borromini Gallery, it features an illusion of depth that truly astounds; a 37-meter corridor seems much longer than its real length of 8.8 meters. In addition to this architectural wonder, the palace houses a notable collection of Renaissance art, making it an essential stop for art and architecture enthusiasts in Rome.
📍 Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13
🕒 Mon-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm (closed Tue)
💰 €2/€6, Free on the first Sunday of the month
🌐 galleriaspada.cultura.gov.it
6. Palazzo Altemps
Palazzo Altemps is more than an art museum; it’s a stunning architectural work. With frescoed ceilings and wooden beams, it hosts treasures like the Ludovisi Sarcophagus and the sculpture “Gaul killing himself and his wife.” This palace offers a tranquil escape into the world of ancient art, just a short walk from Piazza Navona.
📍 Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46
🕒 Tue-Sun 9:30am-7pm
💰 €2/€8, Free on the first Sunday of the month and for visitors under 18
🌐 coopculture.it
7. Villa Farnesina
Commissioned by the wealthy banker Agostino Chigi, Villa Farnesina was designed not just as a residence but as a testament to his love for his mistress. This Renaissance villa features Raphael’s frescoes, such as “Galatea,” embodying a passionate love story against the backdrop of Rome’s artistic renaissance.
📍 Via della Lungara, 230
🕒 Mon-Sat 9am-2pm
💰 €7/€12
🌐 villafarnesina.it
8. Palazzo del Quirinale
Palazzo del Quirinale is the official residence of the Italian President and epitomizes architectural grandeur. Originally built as a summer retreat by Pope Gregory XIII, it features works by renowned architects and artists like Domenico Fontana and Carlo Maderno. Its opulent interiors and significant historical role make it a symbol of Italian heritage.
📍 Piazza del Quirinale
🕒 Tue-Sun (except Thur) 9:30am-4pm (reservation required)
💰 €1.50 for various itineraries
🌐 palazzo.quirinale.it
9. Palazzo Barberini
Palazzo Barberini is a magnificent example of Roman Baroque architecture and is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Featuring masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Holbein, it offers art enthusiasts a treasure trove of cultural riches. The palace’s diverse collection and its historical ambiance make for an immersive experience.
📍 Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
🕒 Tue-Sun 10am-7pm
💰 €12
🌐 barberinicorsini.org
10. Palazzo Venezia
Once the residence of popes and the infamous Mussolini, Palazzo Venezia stands as a Renaissance masterpiece. With its majestic gardens, fountains, and reception rooms, the palace houses the National Museum, providing a fascinating glimpse into history.
📍 Via del Plebiscito, 118
🕒 Mon-Sun 9:30am-7:30pm
💰 €15
🌐 vive.cultura.gov.it
11. Villa Medici
Villa Medici, perched on Pincian Hill, is more than just a villa; it’s a cultural treasure. Once home to Ferdinando I de’ Medici, it now hosts the French Academy in Rome. Surrounded by lush gardens, this Renaissance palace offers breathtaking views of the city. Its halls, filled with historical art and architecture, provide a serene escape from the urban hustle, embodying the spirit of the Renaissance in the heart of modern Rome.
📍 Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1
🕒 Daily 10am – 7pm
💰 €11/€14
🌐 villamedici.it
