Pamphilj Palace

Palazzo Pamphilj is one of the most fascinating architectural masterpieces in Rome, located in Piazza Navona, the pulsating heart of the eternal city. Built between 1644 and 1650, the palace represents an emblematic monument of Roman Baroque, commissioned by Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, who became Pope Innocent X. The initial project was entrusted to Girolamo Rainaldi, but it was Francesco Borromini who completed it, introducing innovative elements that made the building a unique work of art. The main facade of the palace, overlooking the splendid Piazza Navona, is characterized by elegant lines and rich details of Baroque decorations. Borromini, known for his ability to blend architecture and sculpture, introduced giant columns and niches that give the structure a sense of movement and dynamism. Borromini’s influence is also evident in the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, located next to the palace, which together form an architectural complex of great visual impact. One of the most fascinating elements of Palazzo Pamphilj is the Gallery of Mirrors, a long hall decorated with frescoes and golden stuccoes, offering a spectacular view of the square below. This gallery was used for official ceremonies and receptions of the Pamphilj family, and today it is one of the highlights of the palace, attracting numerous visitors from around the world. During the pontificate of Innocent X, Palazzo Pamphilj became the center of the political and social activities of the Pamphilj family. Olimpia Maidalchini, the pope’s sister-in-law, played a central role in managing the palace and its sumptuous parties, which helped to consolidate the family’s prestige in Rome. Over time, Palazzo Pamphilj has undergone various modifications and restorations, but has always maintained its Baroque essence. Since 1920, the palace has housed the Embassy of Brazil in Italy, a use that has helped preserve the integrity of the building and keep it in excellent condition. The inner courtyard of the palace is another architectural wonder, with arcades and loggias creating an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty. This space was used as a gathering place for guests and for the daily activities of the family, and today it offers an oasis of peace in the chaos of the city. The interior of the palace is rich in works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and furnishings of great historical and artistic value. The private rooms of the Pamphilj family, now only partially accessible to the public, offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most influential families in Rome. An interesting anecdote concerns the Fountain of the Four Rivers, located in the center of Piazza Navona, in front of the palace. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the fountain was commissioned by Innocent X as part of the large project to redevelop the square. The rivalry between Bernini and Borromini, two of the greatest Baroque architects, is legendary, and it is said that the two could not stand each other. However, their joint works in Piazza Navona represent one of the highest examples of Baroque art in Rome.