Quirinal Palace
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About
Perched on the highest of the Seven Hills, this palace has been the residence of Popes, Kings, and now the President of the Italian Republic. The Piazza del Quirinale features the massive Dioscuri fountain and offers a great view toward St. Peter's. The interior is a museum of Italian history, with tapestries, clocks, and frescoes. Expert recommendation: watch the changing of the guard ceremony (Corazzieri) every day at 3:00 PM (4:00 PM in summer). Pro tip: the palace is open to the public only on certain days and requires booking at least 5 days in advance through the official presidency website. It is one of the most secure and well-maintained sites in Italy.
Highlights
- Presidential official residence
- Changing of the Guard
- Spectacular piazza views
- Grand tapestries and art
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
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.
National Gallery of Ancient Art
This gallery is split between two magnificent locations: Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini. It houses some of the most critical works of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque, including Caravaggio's 'Judith Beheading Holofernes' and Lippi's 'Annunciation.' The galleries are less crowded than the Vatican, allowing for a quiet, contemplative experience with high art. Expert recommendation: at Palazzo Barberini, look for the 'Allegory of Divine Providence' ceiling fresco. Pro tip: your ticket is valid for both palaces (Barberini and Corsini) for a 20-day period. This is an excellent way to see world-class art while exploring two very different Roman neighborhoods (the Quirinal area and Trastevere).
Palazzo Barberini
This grand Baroque palace, a collaboration between rival architects Bernini and Borromini, houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Its most famous treasure is Raphael’s 'La Fornarina,' alongside works by Caravaggio and Holbein. The centerpiece is the massive ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona, 'The Allegory of Divine Providence.' The sensory experience is one of dizzying Baroque movement and golden light. Expert recommendation: compare the two staircases—Bernini's square one and Borromini's helicoidal (spiral) one. Pro tip: the palace gardens are free to enter and provide a quiet oasis in the busy Barberini district. Your ticket is often valid for the Galleria Corsini in Trastevere as well.
Trajan's Market
Often described as the world's first shopping mall, this complex was built in the early 2nd century AD by Apollodorus of Damascus. The semi-circular brick structure housed offices and shops for the Roman Forum. Walking through the 'Via Biberatica,' the ancient street of taverns, you feel the density and sophistication of Roman urban life. Expert recommendation: visit the Museum of the Imperial Forums housed inside to see the architectural reconstructions. Pro tip: the upper levels offer an incredible, less-crowded vantage point looking down over the ruins of Trajan's Forum and the Victor Emmanuel monument. It’s an excellent alternative if the main Forum is too crowded.
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