Quirinale
Vespa tour to the Quirinale: discover the history of Rome riding an Italian icon! Explore the Quirinale by scooter: panoramic tour among the wonders of Rome! Tour by tuk-tuk in and around the Quirinale: a unique experience to discover the heart of Rome. Visit the Quirinale by bike: a journey through history, art and culture in the center of Rome.
What you need to know about the Quirinal
The Quirinal Palace is one of the official residences of the President of the Italian Republic and is located in Rome on the Quirinal Hill, one of the city’s seven hills. Built starting in 1583, it was designed to house popes, kings and, later, presidents of the Republic. At over 110,500 square meters, it is one of the largest palaces in the world and is a symbol of power and prestige. The Palace features several state rooms, including the Salone delle Feste, used for official and state ceremonies, the Pauline Chapel for religious events, and the Quirinal Gardens, which are open to the public on special occasions. The architecture of the Palace reflects different styles, from early Renaissance models to Baroque elements, with contributions from important artists and architects such as Domenico Fontana, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Today, the Quirinal Palace is open to the public for guided tours to explore some of the most important rooms and appreciate the richness of Italian history.
History: The Quirinal Palace was built at the behest of Pope Gregory XIII in 1583 as a papal summer residence, moving away from the Vatican for a cooler and healthier environment. Subsequently, the palace underwent various extensions and renovations under different popes. During the Napoleonic era, it was intended to become an imperial residence, but Napoleon never stayed there. With the Unification of Italy in 1870, the palace became the official residence of the kings of Italy and, finally, of the President of the Republic after the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946.
Architecture and Works of Art: The palace is a perfect example of architectural and artistic evolution, with influences ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Among the most famous rooms are: “Salone dei Corazzieri”: the largest in the palace, with richly decorated ceilings. “Hall of Mirrors”: used for events and official meetings, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. “Pauline Chapel”: an interior chapel inspired by the Sistine Chapel, famous for its exceptional acoustics. “Napoleonic Rooms”: decorated for the arrival of Napoleon, but he never stayed there.
Quirinal Gardens: The Quirinal Gardens, which cover more than 4 hectares, are open to the public on certain special occasions, such as June 2, Republic Day. They represent a rare oasis of greenery in the center of Rome and feature elegant fountains, sculptures, mature trees and a manicured landscape reflecting the Italian garden style.
Tours and Public Access: The Quirinal Palace offers guided tours to explore the history and most important rooms of the palace. Different types of tours can be booked: “Artistic-Institutional Tour”: to explore the state rooms, admire the works of art and learn about the institutional functions of the palace.
Curiosities
Origin of Name: The name “Quirinal” comes from the hill on which it stands, Quirinal Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. It is named after the Roman god Quirinus, a deity associated with the founding of the city and, according to legend, a deified incarnation of Romulus, the founder of Rome.
The Changing of the Guard: Every day, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place in front of the Palace, an evocative event that attracts many tourists. This traditional rite, performed by the Corazzieri, the guard of the President of the Republic, includes a series of ritual maneuvers and the presence of uniformed military personnel.
The Fountain of the Dioscuri: Opposite the Quirinal Palace is the Fountain of the Dioscuri, a magnificent fountain surmounted by the statues of Castor and Pollux, the mythological twins of Greek legend, with their horses. The fountain has a long history: it was begun in Roman times and completed in the 19th century.
Napoleon’s “Missed” History: The Quirinal Palace was intended to become the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte after his conquest of Rome. During Napoleon’s occupation, many rooms were redecorated and furnished for his arrival, but Napoleon never set foot there as he was exiled after his defeat.
The Pauline Chapel and its Acoustics: The Pauline Chapel inside the Quirinale is known not only for its beauty but also for its exceptional acoustics. In fact, it is used for concerts and musical events and sometimes hosts performances by the Quirinal Choir and Orchestra.
One of the World’s Largest Official Residences: The Quirinal Palace is among the largest official residences in the world, with more than 1,200 rooms and an area of about 110,500 square meters, surpassing in size Buckingham Palace and even the White House.
The Quirinal Bell: In the inner courtyard of the palace is a bell, the Quirinal Bell, which rings to mark important moments, such as the election of a new Pope or a President of the Republic, thus signaling a historic event to the population.
Museum Open to the Public: In 2019, President Sergio Mattarella wanted to open part of the palace to the public, turning the historic areas into a real museum so that citizens and tourists can learn more about the history of the Quirinale and the role of the Presidency of the Republic.
Choose your favorite Vespa tour to visit Rome
Grand Tour of Rome
Rome Movie Set
Castelli Romani
Rome and Ostia Antica
