Altemps Palace

The Palazzo Altemps, located in Piazza Sant’Apollinare in Rome, is an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture. Its construction dates back to the late 15th century, when Girolamo Riario, nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, commissioned the project to the architect Melozzo da Forlì. Girolamo, an influential and ambitious figure, wanted a palace that reflected his power and social status, but the works were only completed in 1480, after his marriage to Caterina Sforza. Over the centuries, the palace changed hands several times, undergoing expansions and modifications that enriched its architecture and decoration. In 1511, Cardinal Francesco Soderini purchased the building and commissioned further works to illustrious architects such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder and Baldassarre Peruzzi. This period saw the construction of the main courtyard, an elegant and harmonious space that represents one of the most refined examples of Renaissance architecture in Rome. Between 1513 and 1518, the palace became the residence of the Medici cardinal Innocenzo Cybo, who used it as a residence and place of representation. Later, in 1568, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps, son of the sister of Pope Pius IV, purchased the palace and made it the residence of his family. It was Marco Sittico who established the Altempsiana Library and began a collection of ancient sculptures, giving the palace a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of Rome. One of the most dramatic stories related to the Palazzo Altemps concerns the natural son of Marco Sittico, Roberto Altemps. In 1586, Roberto was accused of adultery and executed by order of Pope Sixtus V, despite his position as prefect of the papal arms in Avignon. This episode left an indelible mark on the history of the Altemps family, so much so that Giovanni Angelo Altemps, son of Roberto, had a large fresco painted in the private chapel of the palace depicting the decapitation of his father. The palace also hosted important figures from European culture and diplomacy. In the 18th century, Cardinal Melchior de Polignac rented it as the French diplomatic headquarters, making it a place of great worldliness and luxury. Among the illustrious guests were the poet Metastasio and the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who played in the palace during his Roman stay. The loggia of the noble floor, decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, offers a suggestive space that completes the visit. The frescoes attributed to the school of Melozzo da Forlì, emerged during the restorations, add an additional level of artistic and historical interest to the palace. The main courtyard, with its two-story portico and Doric columns, is one of the most admired architectural elements of the palace. This space, used for events and cultural manifestations, preserves the elegant and refined atmosphere typical of the Renaissance. Today, the Palazzo Altemps houses an extraordinary collection of ancient sculptures, including some of the masterpieces of the Ludovisi collection. Among the most famous works are the “Ludovisi Throne,” a refined Greek sculpture from the 5th century BC, and the “Ludovisi Ares,” a majestic statue of the god of war. Other notable pieces include the “Ludovisi Hermaphrodite,” a fascinating example of Hellenistic sculpture, and the “Dying Gaul,” a powerful representation of human drama. In the 19th century, the palace passed to the Holy See and was used as a school by the religious order of De Merode. This educational use continued until the early 20th century, when the institute was moved to another location. In 1982, the Palazzo Altemps was acquired by the Italian State and became one of the four locations of the National Roman Museum, after a careful restoration that preserved its architectural and decorative integrity.