Palazzo Barberini in Rome

Built in the 17^th century by order of Pope Urban VIII, Palazzo Barberini is a true baroque architectural gem, created with the collaboration of some of the greatest architects of their time.

Today, the palace houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art, a marvelous museum whose collections will make art lovers swoon.
Expect masterpieces from Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Tintoretto, Poussin, and El Greco, to name a few.

Follow the guide!

⚠️ Heads up: Palazzo Barberini is incredibly popular, especially during peak season. To avoid wasting time in long lines, be sure to book your tickets in advance: Tickets for Palazzo Barberini.

A Brief History of Palazzo Barberini

The Construction of Palazzo Barberini

In 1625, Pope Urban VIII – Maffeo Barberini – purchased the land from the Sforza family, where Palazzo Barberini stands today, and entrusted architect Carlo Maderno with the design of a grand baroque palace.

Upon Maderno’s death in 1629, his nephew Francesco Borromini, who had been assisting him, took over the project. Bernini joined the effort and completed Palazzo Barberini in 1633.

Not only did Urban VIII commission the greatest architects of his time, but he also enlisted the iconic artist Pietro da Cortona for the palace’s decoration. Cortona created the immense fresco on the ceiling of the grand salon, the Triumph of Divine Providence.

Palazzo Barberini Through the Centuries

Seized from the Barberini family by Pope Innocent X, Urban VIII’s successor (whose impressive portrait by Velázquez can be seen at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery), the palace was eventually returned to the Barberini family in 1653.

More than a century and a half later, between 1814 and 1819, the palace served as the exile residence for King Charles IV of Spain, who was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, in 1808.

In 1936, a mithraeum, a sanctuary of the Mithraic cult, was discovered in the cellars of Palazzo Barberini.

In 1949, the Italian state acquired the palace and established the National Gallery of Ancient Art, with collections split between Palazzo Barberini, which houses the majority, and Palazzo Corsini.

Visiting the National Gallery of Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini

Situated halfway between the Borghese Gallery and the Roman Forum, Palazzo Barberini is worth visiting for both its incredible baroque architecture and its magnificent art collections.

Palazzo Barberini: A Baroque Architectural Gem

The architecture of Palazzo Barberini is striking because it embodies two distinct faces, reflecting its dual functions: an official palace and a villa.

Facing Piazza Barberini, the palace presents a sober and austere facade – its official face.

At the rear, the columned facade overlooking the vast gardens is reminiscent of the grandest Roman villas (like the magnificent Villa Farnesina, which Captain Ulysses also recommends visiting).

Notable architectural features of Palazzo Barberini include:

• The grand staircase designed by Bernini
• The spiral staircase designed by Borromini
• The immense fresco on the ceiling of the grand salon, painted by Pietro da Cortona, titled the Triumph of Divine Providence, an allegory of the Barberini family’s power.

The Collections of Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art

The National Gallery of Ancient Art boasts one of Italy’s largest collections of paintings.

While the museum features works ranging from the 11^th to the 18^th century, it is particularly renowned for its 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th-century masterpieces, including:

• Raphael’s La Fornarina
• Caravaggio’s Judith Beheading Holofernes and Narcissus
• Titian’s Venus and Adonis
• Tintoretto’s Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery
• Fra Filippo Lippi’s Madonna of Tarquinia and Annunciation with Two Kneeling Donors
• Hans Holbein’s Portrait of Henry VIII
• Guercino’s Et in Arcadia Ego
• El Greco’s Adoration of the Shepherds and The Baptism of Christ

Practical Information

Getting to Palazzo Barberini

Palazzo Barberini is located halfway between the Borghese Gallery and the Roman Forum. The nearest public transport options are:

• Metro: Barberini station (Line A)
• Bus: lines 53, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 83, 160, 492, and 590

Opening Hours of Palazzo Barberini

Palazzo Barberini is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6 PM).

Ticket Prices for Palazzo Barberini

Tickets for Palazzo Barberini (including access to Galleria Corsini) are priced at:

• Full price: €15
• Reduced price (EU citizens aged 18-25): €2
• Free for visitors under 18

If you’re visiting Rome during peak season or school holidays, it’s best to book your ticket in advance: Tickets for Palazzo Barberini.

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Credits
Rodney | Unsplash | Wikimedia