Among all Roman Baroque palaces, Palazzo Barberini stands out for its striking design, paintings, and cultural influence. This 17th-century palace is best known for its picturesque Piazza, and its two famous fountains — Triton Fountain and Fontana Delle API. The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica located inside the Palace is the house of the main national collection of older paintings in Rome. Located in the heart of Rome, Palazzo Barberini has a solid reason to be explored. In this post, we shall unveil all reasons why you should visit it, its architecture, interiors, scoring tickets, frequently asked questions, and more.
Palazzo Barberini In A Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2-3 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Mornings/Evenings |
| 😍 Highlight: | Frescos |
| 🎟️ Palazzo Barberini Ticket: | €16 |
| 🎫 Combo: Borghese Gallery + Palazzo Barberini: | €45 |
| 🚉 Closest train station: | Castel Gandolfo |
Must-see
Frescos
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica
Piazza Barberini
Fontana del Tritone
Things to know
Number of art pieces: 5000+
Established: 1633
Architect: Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini, Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Architectural style: Baroque architecture
Opening Hours And Address
Tuesday to Sunday - 10 am - 6 pm
Closed on Monday
Address : Via Carlo Rosselli, 1,
00040 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy
Get Directions
Why Visit Palazzo Barberini
- Originally commissioned by the Barberini family, one of the most influential aristocratic families in Rome, the palace has been witness to significant political and cultural events.
- Palazzo Barberini is located only a few steps from the Trevi fountain - one of the most photographed places in Rome. With that convenience, it also gives you a lot to see and be amused about.
- Beyond its eye-catching Baroque architecture, the palace is also home to the grand art collection of Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica. The palace forms a magnificent backdrop for the art pieces and makes heads turn (upward) with their intricate frescos.
- Another noteworthy part of the palace is its garden, which is free to enter throughout the year. They make for a perfect picnic any time of the year.
Which Palazzo Barberini Tickets Should You Buy?
Palazzo Barberini History
Palazzo Barberini was originally built in the 17th century for the Barberini family, one of the most influential families in Renaissance Rome. The palace is renowned for its impressive architecture and exquisite Baroque style. Designed by prominent architects Carlo Maderno and Francesco Borromini, Palazzo Barberini showcases a harmonious blend of elegance and grandeur. Its façade features ornate sculptures, intricate details, and a majestic central staircase. The interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes, stuccoes, and luxurious furnishings.
Throughout history, Palazzo Barberini has served as a residence for noble families and has been a venue for significant cultural events. It has also housed various institutions, including the National Gallery of Ancient Art, which displays a remarkable collection of artworks from different periods.
Palazzo Barberini Interior
The interiors of Palazzo Barberini are just as amusing and lavish as the exteriors. The decor of every room screams opulence. One of such rooms that you must take a look inside is the Hall of Constantine which features a ceiling decorated with gold leaf. Here are some other parts of Palazzo Barberini Interior that are sure to impress you:
Palazzo Barberini Ceiling
The hall of Pietro da Cortona, a double-height grand salon, grants a peek into the Baroque ceiling fresco. Sporting clouds and swirling figures, this piece is titled Triumph of the Divine Providence and the Barberini family. It symbolizes the spiritual and secular life of the Barberini family.
Palazzo Barberini Staircase
Francesco Borromini’s Spiral Staircase is one the most intriguing works of architecture you will come across in Rome. The great architect, Borromini, created an oval-shaped staircase spirals upwards with Doric columns decorated using the family’s bees. It is located in the Palazzo’s south wing and links Cardinal Francesco Barberini’s private suite of rooms.
Top Highlights Of Palazzo Barberini
1The Fornarina
The Fornarina is considered one of Raphael's most renowned works. It portrays a young woman believed to be his lover, Margherita Luti, also known as "La Fornarina."
2Salone
The salone of Palazzo Barberini is a grand exhibition space that showcases the opulence and beauty of Italian art and architecture. Adorned with exquisite frescoes and lavish decorations, the salone provides a stunning backdrop for the museum's masterpieces. The ceiling frescoes, painted by Pietro da Cortona, depict scenes from Roman mythology and are considered one of the artist's greatest achievements.
3National Gallery of Ancient Art
The National Gallery of Ancient Art is housed within Palazzo Barberini and is a treasure trove of ancient artworks. It features a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that span from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
4Judith Beheading Holofernes
Created by Italian artist Caravaggio, this masterpiece depicts the biblical story of Judith, a Jewish heroine, who saves her people by beheading the Assyrian general, Holofernes. The painting showcases Caravaggio's signature style, characterized by its dramatic lighting and intense realism.
5Spiral Staircase
The spiral staircase of Palazzo Barberini is an architectural marvel that showcases the ingenuity and elegance of Italian design. This stunning feature allows visitors to admire the intricate details and unique structure as they ascend or descend through the museum.
Best Time To Visit Palazzo Barberini
The best time to visit Palazzo Barberini is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer the perfect conditions to explore the outdoor areas of the museum, such as the beautiful gardens and courtyards. Additionally, visiting during weekdays or early in the morning can help avoid crowds and allow for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Read more about Best Time To Visit Rome here!
Palazzo Barberini Timings
- The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The last entrance is at 5 pm.
- On Mondays, December 25th, and January 1st, the palace remains closed.
Getting There
By Bus
The closest bus stop is Tritone/Barberini which is only a 2-minute walk to the palace.
By Subway
The closest subway station is Barberini. It is located behind the palace and is only a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
By Car
Type P.za Barberini, 00187 Roma RM, Italy on your smartphone GPS app and follow the directions.
Accessibility
The palace and the exhibition rooms are wheelchair-friendly. They also have a separate parking space by the ticket office for those with wheelchairs.
Tips For First Time Palazzo Barberini Visitors
- Wednesdays are usually the least crowded days to visit. Book your Palazzo Barberini tickets online and at least 3 days in advance since the slots get booked quickly.
- The cloakrooms are temporarily unavailable. You would need to drop off heavy luggage in your hotel room instead.
- Cashless transactions are more appreciated if you wish to buy the tickets on spot.
Restaurants Near Palazzo Barberini
Ambrosia is a fine dining rooftop bar and restaurant offering Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Healthy, Romana, Lazio, and Central-Italian cuisines. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Some of the best on the menu are white chocolate martini, lobster, and tenderloin.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 160 meters
Doveralu is a gem of a restaurant hidden away in plain sight on Via Nazionale 215. They serve authentic Italian delicacies and have an amazing bar menu. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It is the place you must go to grab some amazing food while not burning a deep hole in your pocket.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
The Gelatist is another gastronomic treasure on Via Nazionale. They are known for their Italian desserts which are available in vegetarian and vegan options. Cheesecake Nutella, crepes, Mandarin, and pistachios are some of their best known menus.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
La Nazionale Gelateria is another ice cream shop that you must not miss in the neighborhood. Passion fruit gelato, kiwi gelato, and macaroons are some of the local’s favorites.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
Attractions Near Palazzo Barberini
The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a large amphitheater in the center of Rome. It was built by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators and has been estimated to have cost over $1 billion in today's currency. The Colosseum is now one of Rome's most popular tourist locations, receiving millions of visitors each year.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 2.5 km
The Trevi Fountain was constructed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi and is a masterpiece of Baroque design. The fountain was used to provide water to the Trevi district, which was then a separate town outside of Rome. It's also said that visitors who throw a coin into the fountain are ensured a return trip to Rome. In fact, it's estimated that 3,000 Euros are thrown into the Trevi Fountain each day! The fountain is decorated with sculptures of Neptune, Triton, and two horses. It's considered one of the most beautiful fountains in the world and is a major tourist attraction.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 550 m
The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in the world. It was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD and completed in 125 AD. The Pantheon is a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, and it has become one of the most well-known churches in the world. It is circular, with a large dome at its center. The dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built, and it still stands more than 1,800 years after it was first constructed. The Pantheon's facade is also extremely impressive, with its large portico and 18 massive Corinthian columns.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 1.2 km
The Borghese Gallery and Museum is located in Rome, Italy. It displays a large collection of art from the 16th to 19th century. The Borghese Gallery is a masterpiece that has a lot of history behind it. It was begun by Prince Scipione Borghese who was an avid part of the Borghese family. The prince's original idea was to have his home be remodeled into more of a palace. He hired architect Girolamo Rainaldi to design this new project. Once it was finished, the newly designed place became one of Borghese's favorite spots in all of Rome.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 1.6 km
The Villa Borghese is a large villa and public park in Rome, Italy. It was built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, assisted by Giovanni Vasanzio, between 1580 and 1585 for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V. The Villa Borghese is renowned for its impressive gardens, which are considered some of the most notable in Europe. It is also famous for its many artworks and sculptures, which were commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese or acquired by him during his travels. The art collection includes works by great artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Peter Paul Rub.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 1.1 km
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