When you think of Rome, you probably think of the Colosseum, The Forum, and other ancient and important sits of Roman History.  But if you are interested in a different aspect of Roman history, I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj, a wonderfully preserved palace, housing an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as gorgeously opulent State Rooms.  Let’s take a look together!

Walking south along the via del Corso, just before you reach the Piazza Venezia, you can enter the interior Bramante Courtyard of the beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj.  Pause for a moment and take in the citrus trees growing there, as well as the general stillness and tranquility, just a few feet from one of the noisiest and busiest streets in Rome.  Purchase your tickets AND get an audio guide! The excellent free audio guide, narrated by Jonathan Pamphilj, brings the palace alive with family anecdotes and excellent background information.

The  beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj  is still the residence of the noble family of the same name and has an impressive private collection, the Galleria Doria-Pamphilj, which includes paintings, Roman sculptures and decorative objects. The Doria-Pamphilj families were the result of multiple aristocratic alliances throughout Italy. The collection was started in 1651 by Innocent X Pamphilj , who had been Pope in 1644.

In its spacious rooms, the residence brings together masterpieces by Rafael, Velázquez, Tiziano, Caravaggio, Brueghel el Viejo, Memling, Bernini and many other important artists. The most famous gallery is that of the Mirrors, pictured above, brought from Venice that attract the attention of all visitors.  On my last visit, I resisted the temptation to twirl down the hallway….but I REALLY wanted to!

I have visited this palace easily eight times, and never tire of the experience.  The audio guide allows visitors to hear general information about each room, providing the option of hearing more details about each room, deeper family history about each room, and even very specific information about many of the more famous works of art.  So, you could spend 40 minutes or 4 hours in the beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj…whatever tickles your fancy!

And, speaking of tickling your fancy….there is an ADORABLE tea room on the ground floor.  You can access the tea room from the main entrance to the Galleria, as I have illustrated in the picture below. Or you can access the tea room from the via della Gatta.  A lovely space to get off your feet, and refuel with a delicious pastry and a coffee!

If you are fortunate enough to have time to tour the beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj on a Saturday, there is an English tour offered at 11:00 a.m., paired with a Baroque music concert!  I’m pretty sure my next trip to Rome will be organized around experiencing this aspect of this Roman palace…I mean…how FABULOUS is that??!!!!!

Take a break from ancient Rome, and make time to visit the beautiful Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj….I promise you will not be disappointed!

As always friends, I am here to help you with your specific travel planning needs!  I love doing it, and I hope you’ll reach out!  I’m already at work on several fall and holiday trips for clients, and even two trips for college graduates in May 2019! Let me help you plan the perfectly curated trip! Email me at marythecuriouscowgirl@gmail.com

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