Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

The Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, located in the heart of Rome, between Via del Corso and Piazza del Collegio Romano, is one of the most fascinating and art-rich historical residences in the city. Its history is intertwined with some of the most influential families of Renaissance and Baroque Italy, including the Della Rovere, Aldobrandini, Pamphilj, and Doria. Originally built in the 15th century, the palace underwent numerous expansions and transformations, culminating in the grand building we can admire today. The current structure of the palace dates mainly to the 17th century, when Cardinal Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, who would later become Pope Innocent X, commissioned architect Francesco Borromini to renovate and expand the building. Borromini, known for his skill in the use of geometric proportions and his distinctive Baroque style, transformed the palace into a sumptuous papal residence. The main facade, sober yet imposing, stands out for its balance and elegance, typical features of Borrominian architecture. One of the most spectacular elements of the palace is the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, which houses one of the most important private art collections in Rome. The gallery is divided into different wings, each offering a glimpse into the magnificence of the Pamphilj family and their artistic patronage. The Aldobrandini Gallery, the first wing, contains some of the most precious paintings in the collection, including works by Annibale Carracci, Guercino, and Claude Lorrain. The Velázquez Room, dedicated to the famous portrait of Pope Innocent X by Diego Velázquez, is a highlight of the visit. This portrait, known for its psychological realism, is considered one of the masterpieces of Baroque portraiture. Another notable wing is the Gallery of Mirrors, designed by Gabriele Valvassori in 1731, inspired by the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. This gallery, decorated with Venetian golden mirrors and ancient statues, is embellished with frescoes by Aureliano Milani depicting the Labors of Hercules. The combination of mirrors, golden stuccoes, and frescoes creates an effect of great magnificence and luxury. The Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is not just a museum, but a living residence. Even today, members of the Doria Pamphilj family reside in the palace, continuing a tradition of over 500 years. This aspect gives the palace a unique atmosphere, where history and contemporary life intertwine. Among the most notable residents was Prince Jonathan Doria Pamphilj, who narrated the museum’s audio guides, offering visitors a personal and engaging perspective on the history of the family and their art collection. One of the most evocative rooms in the palace is the Ballroom, renovated at the end of the 19th century by Andrea Busiri Vici. This room, originally called the Music Room, still retains some of the original decorations, such as the grisaille on the curved ceiling. The room is enriched with precious objects, including a birdcage from 1767, an 18th-century harp, and two ancient liveries. Another room of great interest is the Family Chapel, designed by Carlo Fontana at the end of the 17th century. The chapel is decorated with a fresco depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, creating the illusion of a basilica topped by a dome. Among the reliquaries on display, the mummified head of one of the family’s saints stands out, adding a touch of mystery and sacredness to the place. The Doria Pamphilj Gallery also houses masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, whose “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” and “Penitent Magdalene” are displayed in the Second Room. Other artists represented in the collection include Filippo Lippi, Giovanni Bellini, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Guercino. Each room of the palace is a celebration of art and history, with paintings and sculptures reflecting the taste and sophistication of the Pamphilj family.