Palazzo Barberini
Explore Palazzo Barberini in Rome with a guided bike tour: discover the beauty of the Italian Baroque in an eco-friendly and fun way. Discover the treasures of Palazzo Barberini with a Vespa tour in Rome: an authentic and unique experience among the works of art of the eternal city. Experience Rome like a true Roman: scooter tour to Palazzo Barberini, perfect for admiring the wonders of Italian Baroque with practicality and style. Visit Palazzo Barberini by tuk-tuk: an alternative tour to enjoy Rome’s streets and art masterpieces in one of the city’s most iconic palaces.
What you need to know about Palazzo Barberini
Palazzo Barberini is one of the most important Baroque palaces in Rome, located on Via delle Quattro Fontane. Built starting in 1625 at the behest of the Barberini family, it was designed by some of the most celebrated architects of the time, including Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Francesco Borromini. Today Palazzo Barberini houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica (National Gallery of Ancient Art), which brings together a vast collection of works of art from the 13th to the 18th century. Among the masterpieces on display are Raphael’s famous “Fornarina,” Pietro da Cortona’s “Judgement of Paris,” and Caravaggio’s “Narcissus.” The palace is also renowned for its frescoes and lavish architecture, such as the majestic vault of the “Great Hall” decorated by Pietro da Cortona with “The Triumph of Divine Providence,” a masterpiece of Baroque art. The building itself is a remarkable example of the integration of architecture and art and represents a key piece of Rome’s cultural heritage.
History of the Palace: Built on the basis of an ancient villa, Palazzo Barberini was created to celebrate the power and greatness of the Barberini family, especially after the election to the papacy of Maffeo Barberini, who became Pope Urban VIII. Its construction initially involved Carlo Maderno, who designed the main building and side wings. After Maderno’s death, work was continued by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, with the help of Francesco Borromini, who added distinctive elements, such as the spectacular spiral staircase.
National Gallery of Ancient Art: The gallery houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, with works by artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, El Greco, and Guido Reni. The collection offers a broad overview of the evolution of Italian and European art from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Some of the standout pieces include: “La Fornarina” by Raphael: an intriguing portrait full of mystery, representing a young woman, probably the artist’s mistress. Caravaggio’s “Judith and Holofernes”: one of the master’s most intense works, illustrating the power and drama of the biblical scene. Caravaggio’s “Saint Francis in Ecstasy”: a work reflecting the artist’s spiritual sensitivity and innovative character.
Architecture and Interior Decorations: “The Triumph of Divine Providence”: The main fresco, located in the reception hall, was created by Pietro da Cortona and represents one of the greatest Baroque works in Rome. It depicts an allegorical scene in which Divine Providence ensures the triumph of the Barberini family, with elaborate details and illusionistic perspective.
Borromini’s Helicoidal Staircase: This architectural masterpiece is a distinctive element of the palace. The staircase features steps that appear to be suspended and a spiral structure that plays with the visitor’s spatial perception.
Gardens and Outdoor Spaces: Although the original garden of the palace has been lost, it is still possible to admire some outdoor spaces and courtyards, which offer a glimpse of the elegance and grandeur of the original residence.
Curiosities
The Barberini Bee: The symbol of the Barberini family is the bee, which can be found in many decorations in the palace, from ceilings to cornices. Bees represent the industriousness and industriousness of the family. It is said that the bee was chosen by Pope Urban VIII because his birth name, Maffeo, means “he who makes honey.”
The Colosseum Controversy: The Barberini family was the protagonist of a famous controversy, known as “Quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini” (“What the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did”). When Pope Urban VIII ordered bronze to be taken from the Pantheon and other ancient structures to make the canopy of St. Peter’s in the Vatican, many people criticized the choice, considering the gesture an act of vandalism toward Rome’s ancient heritage.
The Helicoidal Staircase: Designed by Francesco Borromini, the helicoidal staircase is one of the most famous elements of Palazzo Barberini. This spiral staircase has intertwining steps and arches, creating a unique optical effect. It is one of the earliest examples of a freestanding helical staircase, an engineering masterpiece of its time.
The “Ghost” of Palazzo Barberini: The palace is said to be haunted by the ghost of Costanza Bonarelli, Bernini’s lover and the victim of a troubled love affair with the artist. According to legend, Bernini, blinded by jealousy, ordered that Costanza be scarred to prevent her from being loved by others. Her spirit, the story goes, still hovers in the halls.
The Fortune of the “Fornarina”: Raphael’s “Fornarina” is a work that attracts much attention because of its interpretation and the mystery surrounding it. The young woman depicted is believed to be Margherita Luti, a baker and alleged lover of the artist. Some scholars have even speculated that the bracelet bearing Raphael’s name is a kind of “love signature” of the artist for her.
The “Marble Room”: This room of the palace is famous for its inlaid marble floor and marble columns. Used as a state room, it once hosted lavish parties and receptions, showcasing the wealth and power of the Barberini family.
The Recovery of Art After World War II: During World War II, some of the National Gallery’s artworks were hidden to protect them from looting. Museum staff moved the most valuable works, including the “Fornarina,” to safe places to prevent them from being stolen.
The Triptych of Palazzo Barberini: The palace is also known for a series of rooms that represent the union of three great names of Baroque art: Bernini, Borromini, and Pietro da Cortona. It is rare to find the imprint of three of the most celebrated Baroque masters in a single structure, and this is what makes Palazzo Barberini unique.
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