Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne

The Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne is an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome. Designed by the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi between 1532 and 1536, the palace stands on the remains of three adjacent buildings belonging to the noble Roman family of the Massimo, destroyed during the Sack of Rome in 1527. Its curved facade, following the layout of the street, is one of the distinctive elements that make it a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Peruzzi’s choice to follow the curvature of the site, due to the presence of the foundations of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, is reflected in a design that abandons the traditional principles of central symmetry typical of the Renaissance to adapt to the peculiarities of the place. The facade is characterized by a central portico with six Doric columns, which contribute to creating a visual effect of depth and monumentality despite the limited space. The use of free-standing columns as functional supports was a novelty for palaces of the time and gave the building an innovative elegance. Inside, the palace is organized around two courtyards. The first courtyard, with a portico on the ground floor topped by a loggia also with Doric columns, represents a element of continuity with the external facade. This architectural choice not only creates a scenic effect, but also provides a visual and functional connection between the internal and external spaces. Another distinctive feature of the Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne is its interior decoration. Many ceilings are richly decorated with geometric coffers, such as those of the main staircase and the large hall, whose design coordinates with the arrangement of the pilasters and wall panels. The windows, located on two levels, generously illuminate the rooms, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the internal decorations. The Chapel of San Filippo Neri, located inside the palace, adds a further element of historical and artistic interest. This chapel commemorates a miraculous event attributed to San Filippo Neri, who according to tradition resurrected the son of Pietro Massimo, one of the owners of the palace, in 1583. The chapel, open to the public only on special occasions, is a place of great devotion and historical interest. The palace has maintained its importance over the centuries, hosting the Massimo family who boasted legendary origins dating back to Quinto Fabio Massimo, hero of the Roman Republic. This family continuity has helped preserve the palace as a symbol of prestige and power in Renaissance and Baroque Rome.