Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama, located on Corso Rinascimento in Rome, is one of the most important historical buildings in the city, known for being the seat of the Senate of the Italian Republic. This palace boasts a rich and complex history, reflecting the architectural and political evolution of Rome from the Renaissance to the present day. The origins of Palazzo Madama date back to the Middle Ages, when an building belonging to the Orsini family stood on the current site. This building was transformed and expanded in the 16th century by the Medici family, in particular by Giovanni de’ Medici, who later became Pope Leo X. The name “Madama” comes from Margherita d’Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles V and widow of Alessandro de’ Medici, who lived in the palace in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the palace changed hands among various noble families and underwent numerous architectural interventions. During the pontificate of Pope Benedict XIV, the building was used as the seat of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Camera. The architecture of Palazzo Madama is the result of a series of transformations that reflect the different eras and owners. The current structure features an elegant Renaissance-style facade, characterized by a portico with Doric columns and an upper floor decorated with arched windows. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with richly decorated rooms that testify to the taste and sophistication of the noble families who lived there. Among these, the Maccari Hall, named after the painter Cesare Maccari, author of the frescoes decorating the walls. The frescoes depict scenes from the history of Rome, with particular attention to episodes of the Roman Senate. Palazzo Madama played a crucial role in the political history of Rome and Italy. In 1871, with the proclamation of Rome as the capital of Italy, the palace became the seat of the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy. This transition marked the beginning of a new era for the building, which became the center of Italian political life. The choice of Palazzo Madama as the seat of the Senate was symbolic and practical: its central location and size made it ideal for hosting legislative activities. Since then, the palace has been the scene of important political events and decisions that have shaped the history of modern Italy. Throughout the 20th century, Palazzo Madama underwent numerous restoration interventions to preserve its structure and enhance its artistic heritage. These works have allowed the original architecture to remain intact and ensure the safety of the interior spaces. One of the most significant interventions was the restoration of the main facade, which brought to light the Renaissance architectural details, including stone ornaments and sculptural decorations. The interiors were also carefully restored to preserve the original frescoes and decorations. Today, Palazzo Madama continues to be the seat of the Senate of the Italian Republic, one of the two branches of the Italian Parliament. The palace is open to the public on special occasions, allowing visitors to admire its splendid rooms and learn more about the history and functioning of Italian democratic institutions. An interesting anecdote concerns the “Hall of Portraits,” where the portraits of all the presidents of the Italian Senate are displayed. This room is a tribute to institutional continuity and the history of the Italian Republic. Each portrait is accompanied by a plaque stating the name and the period during which the president held the position.