National Gallery of Ancient Art

The National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome, articulated between two prestigious historical buildings, Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini, represents one of the most important collections of ancient art in Italy. These two palaces are not only custodians of extraordinary works of art, but are themselves testimonies of Baroque architectural magnificence. Palazzo Barberini, located on via delle Quattro Fontane, is an architectural masterpiece born from the collaboration of some of the greatest architects of the seventeenth century. The construction, started in 1627 at the behest of Pope Urban VIII, a member of the powerful Barberini family, was initially entrusted to Carlo Maderno. After Maderno’s death, the work was continued by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, who contributed to giving the building its final appearance. One of the most famous elements of Palazzo Barberini is the helical staircase designed by Borromini, an example of technical mastery and architectural innovation.Inside Palazzo Barberini, visitors can admire works of art ranging from the early Renaissance to the late Baroque. Among the most famous masterpieces are “La Fornarina” by Raphael, a portrait believed to represent his lover, and “Judith and Holofernes” by Caravaggio, one of the most intense and dramatic works of the master of chiaroscuro. The central hall, known as the Pietro da Cortona Hall, is decorated with an imposing fresco depicting “The Triumph of Divine Providence,” a work that celebrates the power and glory of the Barberini family.Palazzo Corsini, located on via della Lungara, in front of the Botanical Garden, is the other jewel that houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art. This seventeenth-century building, designed by architect Ferdinando Fuga for Cardinal Neri Corsini, stands out for its elegant Italian garden and luxurious interiors. The collection of Palazzo Corsini has been enriched over the centuries thanks to important donations, including the collection of the Torlonia family and that of the Monte di Pietà.Among the works exhibited at Palazzo Corsini stand out “Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio, a painting that captures the essence of the saint with surprising realism, and “Venus and Adonis” by Guido Reni, a work that delicately and poetically represents the classic myth. The palace also houses a rich collection of Flemish and Dutch paintings, including works by Rubens and van Dyck, which offer an overview of European painting of the seventeenth century.