Palazzo Altemps in Rome

Built in the 15^th century by a wealthy Italian family, Palazzo Altemps has been home to stunning collections of ancient sculptures from the National Roman Museum since 1997.

Let’s go: head north of Piazza Navona to discover this splendid Renaissance palace and its treasures!

Good to know: Entry to Palazzo Altemps is discounted with the Roma Pass. This also includes skip-the-line access to many of the city’s monuments as well as unlimited public transport. A great way to avoid wasting time in long queues!

A Brief History of Palazzo Altemps

Origins of Palazzo Altemps

In the late 15^th century (around 1480), Girolamo Riario, nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, began the construction of the palace. After the pope’s death, the palace was abandoned until, a few decades later, Cardinal Francesco Soderini purchased and renovated it.

The palace got its name from its next owner. In the second half of the 16^th century, Cardinal Mark Sittich von Hohenems, known as Marco Sittico Altemps in Italian, acquired the palace and had it expanded by architect Martino Longhi the Elder. Palazzo Altemps was then considered one of the most beautiful residences in Rome.

In the 17^th century, Giovanni Angelo Altemps added a library, theater, and chapel. The chapel is notable for being the only private chapel housing the remains of a pope (Pope Anicetus, who reigned in the 2^nd century).

In the 19^th century, Palazzo Altemps became the seat of the Accademia dei Lincei, the oldest scientific academy in Europe (now located in the Villa Farnesina), before housing the Spanish seminary.

Palazzo Altemps Today

By the 20^th century, Palazzo Altemps had fallen into disrepair. In 1982, the Italian Ministry of Culture acquired it and began extensive renovations.

Transformed into a museum showcasing collections of ancient sculptures, Palazzo Altemps opened its doors in 1997. It is part of the National Roman Museum, which is spread across four sites: Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Crypta Balbi, and the Baths of Diocletian.

Visiting Palazzo Altemps

The Architecture of Palazzo Altemps

Like many museums and galleries in Rome (such as the Borghese Gallery, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj…), Palazzo Altemps is worth visiting for its stunning architecture as well as its collections.

Before entering the palace, take a moment to admire the altana, the corner tower: it’s one of the oldest – if not the oldest – in Rome.

Inside, the cortile, or inner courtyard, is also worth a stop. The fresco-covered loggia is simply magnificent.

Throughout the palace, the walls and ceilings are adorned with vast Renaissance and Baroque frescoes: a true marvel!

The Collections at Palazzo Altemps

Most of the sculptures on display at Palazzo Altemps come from collections assembled by wealthy Roman families in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, such as the Altemps collection, the Mattei collection, the Del Drago collection, and the Boncompagni-Ludovisi collection.

Many of the museum’s statues were restored in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, as was customary at the time.

Among the most notable works at Palazzo Altemps, don’t miss:

• The Suicide of the Gaul
• Ludovisi Ares (restored by Bernini)
• The Ludovisi Sarcophagus
• The Ludovisi Throne
• Ludovisi Dionysus
• Ludovisi Juno

Is Palazzo Altemps a Must-Visit?

If you’re not particularly fond of museums or are short on time in Rome, Palazzo Altemps might not be at the top of your list.

Otherwise, Captain Ulysses highly recommends a visit. The palace is widely considered one of the most beautiful museums in Rome.

Practical Information

Getting to Palazzo Altemps

Palazzo Altemps is located on Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, north of Piazza Navona. Many buses stop near the museum.

The nearest bus stops are:

• Senato / Rinascimento (stop no. 1173): lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628.
• Corso/Minghetti (stop no. 70612): lines 51, 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 80, 83, 85, 160, 492, and 628.
• Rinascimento (stop no. 1152): lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628.

The nearest metro stations are a bit further: Spagna (Line A) is a 15-20 minute walk, and Barberini (Line A) is a 20-25 minute walk.

Opening Hours of Palazzo Altemps

Palazzo Altemps is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (ticket office closes at 6:00 PM).

Admission Fees to Palazzo Altemps

The ticket price is €12 for adults, €8 for EU citizens aged 18-25, and free for EU citizens under 17 and over 65. The ticket also includes entry to the three other sites of the National Roman Museum: the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, and the Crypta Balbi.

There is also a single ticket option for Palazzo Altemps only, priced at €8 for adults and €2 for reduced admission.

Note that entry to Palazzo Altemps (as well as unlimited access to public transport) is discounted with the Roma Pass. For more information, click here.

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Credits
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