Explore Rome’s cultural heritage at the Palazzo Massimo

Experience a journey through time as you step into Palazzo Massimo, one of the four locations that comprise the National Roman Museum. Once a Jesuit boarding school, this historic building now serves as a classical museum that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Rome.

Explore the museum's vast collection and get lost in the fascinating history of the city. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the basics- the history, timings, highlights, and much more!

Palazzo Massimo - In A Nutshell

Why is Palazzo Massimo Worth Visiting?

• By stepping into Palazzo Massimo, you'll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Rome.
• As a former Jesuit boarding school turned classical museum, Palazzo Massimo provides a window into Rome's fascinating past. Explore its halls and displays to immerse yourself in centuries of history.
• The building itself is a breathtaking piece of art. Housed in a stunning Renaissance palace, the building offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance architecture.
• A visit to Palazzo Massimo offers an educational experience like no other. Gain knowledge about ancient Rome's art, history, and daily life through the museum's informative exhibits and displays. It's a chance to learn and appreciate the rich legacy left by this magnificent civilization.
• Palazzo Massimo is a must-visit location for history buffs and art connoisseurs alike as one of the four locations of the famed National Roman Museum. Explore a sizable collection that highlights the splendour of ancient Rome.

Palazzo Massimo Tickets

Experience the rich history and exquisite artistry of Palazzo Massimo in Rome with our exclusive tickets. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Rome as you explore this stunning museum and witness masterpieces that span centuries of artistic brilliance.

History of Palazzo Massimo

Let's quickly explore this majestic palace's rich past. In the centre of Rome, Italy, sits the Palazzo Massimo, which dates from the late 19th century. It was initially intended to be a lavish home for the Massimo family, a well-known Rome noble family. The building later became the headquarters of the Jesuit Order and was also partially used as a military hospital during WWII.

Being in a state of neglect, the Massimo family gave the palace to the Italian government in 1981, who turned it into a museum that celebrates the rich cultural legacy of ancient Rome. The museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1995. A remarkable collection of Roman-era paintings, sculptures, and artefacts can be found inside Palazzo Massimo today.

You'll come across magnificent paintings, mosaics, and amazing sculptures as you stroll through its opulent halls, giving you a look into the customs, ideals, and accomplishments of the ancient Romans. Palazzo Massimo guarantees a memorable journey through time, whether you're a history aficionado or just interested to know more about the treasures of the past. As you visit this wonderful museum, get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of ancient Rome.

Highlights of Palazzo Massimo

#1. Augustus as Pontifex Maximus

Despite his age at the time, the statue of Emperor Augustus at the Palazzo Massimo shows him as a young pontifex maximus. The nearly two-meter-tall figure, which had been missing its right arm as well as left hand, was discovered in 1910 on Via Labicana, close to the Colosseum.

#2. Mosaic of a cat with prey and two ducks

This mosaic from the first century BCE, despite its subpar quality, depicts a familiar scene: a cat's natural urge to pursue birds. The mosaic was discovered in Cecchignola, which was outside of the ancient city of Rome, and it was once part of a Roman villa's dining room (triclinium).

#3. Lion’s heads from the ships of Nemi

Lago di Nemi, south of Alban Lake, saw the construction of two large pleasure ships by Emperor Caligula. Though lost during World War II, ornamental treasures like lifelike lion's heads with wild manes and rings in their mouths, along with wolf's heads, were recovered from the lake as early as 1895.

#4. The Portonaccio Sarcophagus

It is unknown who was entombed in this beautiful sarcophagus, which was presumably built for a senior officer who fought for Emperor Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars. The deceased's face isn't complete, but the sculpted reliefs showing Roman soldiers defeating their "barbarian" adversaries are quite stunning.

#5. Relief from a Christian sarcophagus

This panel's lower section, which dates from 290 to 310, portrays miraculous occurrences in Jesus Christ's life. It features pictures of cures like the woman who was bleeding and the paralysed in Capernaum. The Sermon on the Mount may be represented by the scene of a preaching Christ and a crowd. This panel was made at a turbulent time when Christianity, which had previously been legal.

#6. Opus sectile from the Basilica of Junius Bassus

Junius Bassus, a Christian, was the son of Consul Junius Bassus in 331. His sarcophagus is housed in Saint Peter's Basilica's treasure room. The purpose of the 'Basilica of Junius Bassus,' commissioned by Junius Bassus Sr., remains unknown. The basilica was later converted into a church and demolished in 1930. Decorations from the former church are displayed in the Capitoline and Palazzo Massimo Museums.

#7. An altar with Romulus and Remus

The Palazzo Massimo in Rome houses damaged sculpted reliefs, including a front section with decapitated figures of Mars, Venus, Amor, and Hymenaeus. The altar's sides depicting Mars' arms and chariot have also been violated. However, the rear of the altar remains intact, featuring Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf. This scene, accepted by Christians, includes Jupiter's eagle and other personifications, along with the shepherds Faustulus and Pleistinus.

#8. Boxer at Rest

Incredibly magnificent is the bronze statue of a boxer resting at Palazzo Massimo. The pugilist with the beard has lifelike cauliflower ears and the scars of many fists. The statue's exact production date is unknown and he is still sporting his traditional boxing gloves. It is thought that the statue, which was found in 1885 on the Quirinal hill, once decorated the baths of Emperor Constantine, which were built in 315.

#9. Frescoes from the Villa of Livia

The frescoes from the Villa of Livia are truly remarkable and considered museum highlights. Livia, the influential wife of Emperor Augustus, owned a country estate in Prima Porta, near Rome. The displayed frescoes, originating from an underground dining room, depict a vibrant garden with lifelike trees, plants, flowers, fruit, and birds.

#10. Mosaic with a Nilotic landscape

The mosaic shows naked boys (erotes) hunting crocodiles and hippopotamuses. The mosaic was discovered in a vineyard on Rome's Aventine hill and dates to the second century.

Best time to visit Palazzo Massimo

The Palazzo Massimo is most enjoyable on weekdays, especially when it first opens in the morning. By doing so, you can escape the throngs that build up in the afternoon and visit the museum at a slower pace.

Additionally, travellers may enjoy the lovely weather of the spring and fall seasons. For information on any special exhibitions or events taking place during your anticipated visit, don't forget to check the museum's website.

Moreover, you can learn about the Best Time to Visit Rome as well.

Palazzo Massimo Timings

Operating Hours of Palazzo Massimo:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM - 6 PM
• Last admission: 5 PM

Closed on:

• Mondays
• January 1st
• December 25th

Special Note:

• Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month

Getting There

• By Bus: Nearest bus stop: Termini (1-minute walk to the attraction)
  Buses 62, 628, 64, 70, 85 and 170
• By Metro: Lines A & B
  Nearest metro station is Termini, which is a 5-minute walk to the attraction
• By Train: FL3

Insider Tips to Visiting Palazzo Massimo

• To avoid crowds and take delight in a more tranquil atmosphere, arrive early in the morning or close to closing time.
• To avoid the ticket queue and save time, think about ordering your tickets in advance online.
• A valid ID or passport should be brought because it can be needed to buy tickets or get entrance.
• For easy access to the museum's exhibitions, download a digital map or guide beforehand.
• Use the provided audio guides or guided tours to learn more about the paintings and artefacts.
• Don't overlook the magnificent mosaics and frescoes, including the well-known "Villa di Livia" frescoes.
• Take your time to admire the exquisite sculptures, including the renowned "Boxer at Rest" and "Discus Thrower."
• Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
• Respect the museum's photography policy and ensure flash photography is not used to preserve the artifacts.
• Plan your visit on the first Sunday of the month to enjoy free entry, but be prepared for potentially larger crowds.

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