Doria Pamphilj Gallery
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About
This is one of Rome's largest privately owned palaces, still inhabited by the Doria Pamphilj family. The gallery houses a world-class collection, including Velázquez’s famous portrait of Pope Innocent X and works by Caravaggio. The interior is the height of Roman aristocratic opulence, with the 'Gallery of Mirrors' rivaling Versailles in splendor. Expert recommendation: use the audio guide, which is narrated by the Prince himself, offering personal anecdotes about the family and the art. Pro tip: the palace entrance is on the busy Via del Corso, but inside it is remarkably quiet. Don't miss the beautiful courtyard and the palace chapel. It's an ideal indoor activity for a rainy afternoon.
Highlights
- Private aristocratic art collection
- Velázquez's Pope Innocent X
- Gilded Gallery of Mirrors
- Renaissance palace interior
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
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Altare della Patria (Vittoriano)
A controversial yet undeniable landmark, this massive white marble monument was built to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. Often nicknamed 'The Wedding Cake,' its neoclassical design features grand staircases, Corinthian columns, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The scale is monumental, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding ancient ruins. Expert recommendation: take the 'Rome from the Sky' glass elevator to the terrace for an unobstructed view of the Colosseum and Forum. Pro tip: the monument is free to enter, but the elevator to the top has a separate fee; visit at noon to see the changing of the guard ceremony at the eternal flame.
Trevi Fountain
The world's most famous fountain—a magnificent Baroque confection of Neptune in his ocean chariot with rearing horses emerging from the ocean façade of the Palazzo Poli—was completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi after consuming 30 years of his career, and the tradition of throwing a coin over the left shoulder with the right hand to ensure a return to Rome generates an estimated €1 million annually that is collected nightly and donated to food banks. The fountain is most magical at dawn when photographers and early risers have it largely to themselves before the daytime crowds make intimate viewing impossible, and most spectacular at night when powerful illumination turns the white travertine into a luminous golden spectacle visible from far down the surrounding narrow streets. The Baroque piazza surrounding the fountain is best explored by discovering the surrounding network of ancient streets, gelaterias, and small churches.
Piazza della Minerva
Just behind the Pantheon, this quiet square features one of Bernini's most whimsical works: the 'Pulcino della Minerva,' an elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk. The church on the square, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, is Rome's only Gothic church and houses Michelangelo’s 'Risen Christ.' The atmosphere is scholarly and serene, away from the immediate Pantheon crowds. Expert recommendation: look at the elephant's rear—it is said Bernini positioned it to face a rival's office as a subtle insult. Pro tip: the church interior is breathtakingly blue and gold; ensure your shoulders are covered to enter. It is a perfect spot for a quick photo-op while navigating the cobblestone alleys of the historic center.
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Largo di Torre Argentina (Cat Sanctuary)
This archaeological site contains four Republican-era temples and the remains of Pompey's Theatre, where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Today, it is equally famous for being a protected sanctuary for hundreds of Rome's stray cats, who roam freely among the ancient ruins. The sensory experience is unique, blending tragic history with the charm of feline residents lounging on millennia-old marble. Expert recommendation: visit the underground cat sanctuary in the corner of the square to meet the volunteers or adopt a cat 'at a distance.' Pro tip: a new walkway recently opened (2023), allowing visitors to walk through the ruins at ground level for a small fee; previously, it could only be viewed from the street level.
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