Colonna Palace

Palazzo Colonna, located in the heart of Rome between Piazza dei Santi Apostoli and Via della Pilotta, is one of the largest and oldest noble palaces in the city. Its history is closely intertwined with that of the Colonna family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Rome from the Middle Ages to the present day. The construction of the palace began in the 14th century, although the area was already occupied by buildings owned by the Colonna family since the 10th century. The palace was rebuilt several times over the centuries, undergoing significant transformations and expansions that reflect the various historical periods and architectural styles that have succeeded each other. The original medieval nucleus was integrated into the vast complex that now also includes a magnificent garden that extends to the Quirinal Hill.One of the most significant phases in the history of the palace occurred in the 17th century, when Cardinal Girolamo Colonna initiated an ambitious project of restructuring and expansion. The works, started in 1649 under the direction of Antonio Del Grande and continued by Girolamo Fontana, transformed the palace into a splendid example of Baroque architecture. The famous Colonna Gallery, a wing of the palace 76 meters long and decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, was completed in 1703 and inaugurated by the constable Filippo II Colonna. This gallery is one of the most spectacular places in the palace, with frescoes celebrating the glories of the family and paintings by artists such as Giovanni Coli, Filippo Gherardi, and Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari.The palace has also been the scene of historically significant events. During the Sack of Rome in 1527, the palace provided refuge for over two thousand people, including Isabella d’Este, mother of Ferrante I Gonzaga, one of the commanders of the Landsknecht army. Thanks to her presence, the palace was spared the devastations that struck the rest of the city.Another significant episode occurred in 1802, when Carlo Emanuele IV, King of Sardinia, abdicated the throne in the halls of Palazzo Colonna in favor of Vittorio Emanuele I. This event marks one of the crucial moments in the history of the Italian Risorgimento.In addition to its historical importance, Palazzo Colonna is famous for its extraordinary art collection. The palace rooms house works by artists such as Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni, Tintoretto, Pietro da Cortona, and many others. Among the most famous works are Annibale Carracci’s “The Bean Eater” and Agnolo Bronzino’s “Venus, Cupid, and a Satyr.” The collection is the result of centuries of patronage and a careful acquisition policy by the Colonna family, which has always shown a great interest in art and culture.The palace also preserves numerous testimonies of the daily life and interests of its illustrious inhabitants. For example, the Sala della Colonna Bellica contains a cannonball fired from the Janiculum during the 1849 battles between French troops and those of the Roman Republic. This detail, along with many others, contributes to making the visit to the palace a rich and fascinating experience.The gardens of Palazzo Colonna, climbing the Quirinal Hill, offer a spectacular view of the city and represent an oasis of peace and beauty in the heart of Rome. The gardens, with their fountains, statues, and tree-lined avenues, are a perfect example of an Italian garden and are one of the main attractions of the palace.Palazzo Colonna is still owned by the Colonna family today, who continue to reside there and take care of its maintenance. Nevertheless, the palace is open to the public for guided tours, which allow visitors to admire not only the rooms and works of art but also to immerse themselves in the millennia-old history of one of the most important noble families in Rome.