Palazzo Barberini

Overview

Palazzo Barberini is an magnificent, shockingly vast 17th-century palace located near the Trevi district. Functioning as the National Gallery of Ancient Art, it flawlessly marries some of the world's greatest paintings with breathtaking, theatrical Baroque architecture.

Highlights

• The Ceiling Painting: The immense, dizzyingly complex Triumph of Divine Providence by Pietro da Cortona in the main salon—arguably the most spectacular, illusionistic secular ceiling fresco in Rome.
• The Rival Staircases: The palace features two architectural masterpieces facing off: a grand, square staircase by Bernini, and an incredibly elegant, sweeping oval spiral staircase built by his bitter rival, Borromini.
• La Fornarina: Raphael's intimate, somewhat scandalous portrait of his mistress, the baker's daughter, alongside masterpieces by Caravaggio and Holbein.

History

Pope Urban VIII (Maffeo Barberini) commanded the construction of this massive palace to project the limitless wealth and power of his family. He employed the greatest architects of the era—Maderno, Borromini, and Bernini—to design the structure, resulting in a building that defined Roman High Baroque architecture.

Visitor Tips

• Crowds: Because tourists prioritize the Vatican, this museum is wonderfully, blissfully quiet, allowing you to view masterpieces from inches away without being jostled.
• Combined Ticket: Your entry ticket is also valid for the nearby Galleria Corsini within a 20-day window.
• : 1.5–2 hours.