In the heart of Rome on one of the main arteries of the city (Via del Corso), sits one of the most important noble palazzos of the city: Palazzo Doria Pamhilj.

It’s hard to believe that this massive palace is still the private residence of the heirs to the Doria Pamphilj patrimony, but the open visiting hours to the home are in agreement with the family who still inhabits hundreds of storied rooms. Visiting this noble palace is truly breathtaking. Home to the world’s largest and most prestigious private art collection, hundreds of years in the making, to the decadent and vigorously maintained Baroque interiors, the palace is worth a visit during your next visit to Rome.

History of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

The history of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is represented by a series of additions and renovations spanning a time period of 500 years – much like the history of the family itself. As the wealthy noble families married into each other – the Aldobrandini family, the Andrea Doria family, and the Pamphilj family – their wealth and power grew. Among them, Pope Innocent X, who served as pope from 1644 until his death in 1655. Today the home is the private residence for Prince Jonathan Pamphilj and his family, an adopted son of the Princess Orietta Doria Pamphilj Landi, as well as a constantly changing list of artist residences and offices, such as the managing seat for the Anglican Centre.

Painting of Pope Innocent X (Giovanni Batista Pamphilj) by Diego Velásquez (1650) that now hangs in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Private Art Collection at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

The private art collection at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj represents one of the worlds largest and most prestigious private collections in the world. Works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, Raffael, and Velásquez adorn the highly decorated walls of the naturally-lit galleries along the inner courtyard. Whether you choose to meander the halls by yourself or with an audio guide or you choose to visit the galleries with a guide, plan to spend hours admiring the full walls of art.

One of two busts sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Innocent X, housed inside Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Double portrait painted by Raffaello Sanzio (1516)

Compare a series of three paintings by Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) from three different times in his career and that show the progression in his style during his life. Works include “Repentant Mary Magdalene” (1595), “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” (1595), “John the Baptist” (1602).

Interiors at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

The rich interiors are one of the highlights to visit Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. The highly decorated galleries that line the inner courtyard, as well as the private apartments and larger reception rooms, are all designed in the Baroque style which beautiful ceiling and wall frescoes, plaster details, and carved and gilded frames. The majority of the art is located in the four galleries around the inner courtyard as well as the Adobrandini Room and Primitives Room.

Useful Information for visiting Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Address Via del Corso, 305 – Roma

Phone +39 06 679 7323

Hours Open daily from 9am – 7pm (last admission at 6pm)

Tickets Full Price: €12, Reduced Price: €8 (visitors from 6 – 26 years old)

Website

Experience the Noble Life in Rome

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is most well-known as one of the few residences still privately held by the original noble family – even though recently the patrimony has passed into the hands of a Trust which has taken over the day-to-day responsibilities of maintaining the wealthy. But the ability to live like a noble person in Rome is slowly giving way to the more common “museum” experience of merely paying for a ticket to visit a noble home.

The Costaguti Experience, however is different – letting guests to Rome live the noble experience by making the private apartment home during their stay in the Eternal City. Five bedrooms, 6 baths, a Biliard Room, kitchen, and stately living room decorated with 16th and 17th century frescoes allow up to 14 guests to live like a Roman noble for a few days.

For more information, visit costagutiexperience.com or contact the dedicated concierge directly at concierge@costagutiexperience.com.

Have you visited Palazzo Doria Pamphilj? Share your experiences in the comments below!