Palazzo dei Convertendi

The Palazzo dei Convertendi, located on Via della Conciliazione in Rome, is a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, whose history is intertwined with the urban transformations of the city. Originally known as the Palazzo della Congregazione per le Chiese Orientali, it was built in the 16th century and designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante. The palace underwent numerous modifications over the centuries, culminating in a complete reconstruction in the 1930s. The history of the Palazzo dei Convertendi begins around the mid-15th century, when a pre-existing building known as “della Stufa” was sold to the noble Caprini family, who commissioned Bramante to design a new palace. In 1517, the renowned painter Raphael Sanzio purchased the building, which became known as the “Casa di Raffaello.” Raphael lived there until his death in 1520. Subsequently, the palace changed hands several times: it was owned by Cardinal Pietro Accolti, then by Cardinal Benedetto Accolti, and finally by Cardinal Giovanni Francesco Commendone, who had it restored by Annibale Lippi. In 1620, the palace was purchased by the Spinola family and later, in 1676, by Cardinal Girolamo Gastaldi, who designated it to house the Hospitio dei Convertendi, an institute for the reception of converts to the Catholic faith. During the pontificate of Pope Gregory XVI, the palace underwent significant restoration following the damage caused by the flood of 1805. The most drastic transformation occurred during the fascist regime, when it was decided to build Via della Conciliazione to create a wide avenue connecting the center of Rome to St. Peter’s Basilica. Between 1937 and 1941, the Palazzo dei Convertendi was demolished and rebuilt, brick by brick, to make way for the new road artery. This complex reconstruction work was supervised by the architect Giuseppe Momo, along with Marcello Piacentini and Attilio Spaccarelli. The palace was relocated between Palazzo Rusticucci-Accoramboni and Palazzo Torlonia. From an architectural point of view, the Palazzo dei Convertendi retains many of its original features. It consists of three floors, with a rusticated portal surmounted by an elegant balcony. On the ground floor are eight rectangular windows, while the main floor is decorated with eight rusticated arched windows. The third floor features eleven rectangular windows. Many of the original architectural elements, such as the windows and balcony, were preserved and reused in the new construction. Of particular interest is the original function of the palace as a hospice for converts, a sign of its importance in the religious history of Rome. In addition to being a private residence and a place of welcome, the palace has also hosted important historical figures, including the queen of Cyprus and, as mentioned earlier, the famous artist Raphael. In 1917, Pope Benedict XV assigned the building to the newly established Congregation for the Oriental Churches. After the reconstruction, the palace continued to serve as the headquarters of offices of the Holy See and apartments for high-ranking prelates. Today, the Palazzo dei Convertendi is not open to the public, but its facade can be admired from Via della Conciliazione, one of the most iconic streets in Rome.