Explore Italy's renowned museum and National ancient art gallery

Overview Palazzo Barberini

Explore and applaud the striking magnificence of Palazzo Barberini which is the most marvellous of all the Roman Baroque palaces. Located in the heart of Roma, Palazzo Barberini is an architectural wonder that is well known for its spectacular design, cultural significance and beautiful paintings. This 17th century palace was originally built as the residence of the Pope Urban VIII who wanted to extend his dwelling for his family. The palace was later transformed into a museum and today it houses the national Gallery of Ancient Art that exhibits more than 40 artworks attracting art lovers and architecture enthusiasts from all over the world.

Palazzo Barberini Roma sports a large front courtyard from where you can see the quaint portico facade where a false glass loggia is placed. The interior of the palace is as opulent and decorative as the exterior. You can witness ravishing fresco pictures sketched on the ceiling of the salon by prominent Italian artists. Take a walk through the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica and catch a glimpse of medieval paintings, artworks and sculptures. The place also hosts exhibitions displaying these artworks on a regular basis.

Palazzo Barberini Highlights

Witness and marvel at the ancient Baroque architecture of Palazzo Barberini, its splendid facade with notable artworks by Raphael and Lippi and the gorgeous Roman style staircases.
Visit the National Gallery of Ancient Art and Tempo Barocco Exhibition featuring 40 beautiful paintings of famous Baroque artists and regional painters. You can see the paintings of La Fornarina by Raphael, The Annunciation by Lippi and Judith Beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio.
Admire at the breathtaking fresco paintings on the ceiling by the eminent Italian painter cum architect Pietro da Cortona.
Visit the Mithraeum which is an ancient underground temple dedicated to the God Mithras that has been recently opened for public viewing.

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Things to See at Palazzo Barberini

Architecture

Get ready to stand in awe while admiring the beauty of Palazzo Barberini Palace which is an icon of the Baroque architectural style. The main block encompasses three tiers of arch-shaped windows like glazed arcades that are similar to the Venetian style. On the topmost floor, false-perspective windows are placed to suggest extra depth. The hall is edged by two sets of stairs leading to piano nobile, a giant squared staircase and a small oval shape staircase.

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Frescos

You can witness and be mesmerized by the huge ceiling of the Palazzo Barberini Roma which is adorned with gorgeous fresco paintings. The famous Baroque fresco painting by Pietro da Cortona, ‘Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power’ is an astonishing masterpiece that graces the ceiling of the salon. You can also find another great fresco painting known as the ‘Divine Wisdom’ by Andrea Sacchi.

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Artwork & Collections

The National Gallery of Ancient Art in the palace houses a plethora of artworks which are one of the most significant painting collections in Italy. The museum includes wonderful pieces of art from across history. You can find illustrious artworks like La Fornarina by Rapahel, Narcissus by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, David with Head of Goliath by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and The Three Fates by Sodoma.

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Plan Your Visit To Palazzo Barberini

Essential Information

How To Reach

Accessibility

Visitor Tips

Location: Palazzo Barberini is located in Rome, Italy. Specifically, it is situated in the Quirinale district, near the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Barberini. The exact address of Palazzo Barberini is Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00184 Rome

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Palazzo Barberini is closed on all Mondays, December 25 and January The ticket counter at the palace closes by 5 PM and hence any entry after 5 PM is not permitted.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Palazzo Barberini in Rome is during the weekdays, particularly in the morning. By arriving early, you can avoid the larger crowds that tend to gather later in the day. This allows you to enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience while exploring the art and history within the palace. Additionally, visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as spring or autumn, can help minimize the number of tourists and enhance your overall visit. It is also recommended to check the opening hours of Palazzo Barberini in advance, as they may vary depending on the season or any special exhibitions taking place.

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By Bus: Board the buses on transit lines 150F, 492, 62, 80 and 85 to reach Tritone/ Barberini (Ma) bus stop and take a 1 minute walk to the palace.

By Metro: Get on the metro train in FL5 line and alight at Termini Metro Station and walk to Palazzo Barberini in 6 minutes.

By Car: You can directly drive or hire a cab to Palazzo Barberini in 6 minutes.

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Palazzo Barberini offers parking facilities for its guests and barrier-free entrance for the differently abled people.
There is a separate wheelchair ramp near the ticket office for people with limited mobility.
There is a lift to reach the upper floors of the palace.

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Plan your trip to Palazzo Barberini on Wednesdays as it is when the palace is least crowded.
Ensure to carry your green pass for entry.
Photography is permitted inside the museum but do not use flash while picturing the artworks.
Do not carry heavy luggage and bags as the cloakroom facility is temporarily unavailable.
Book your tickets online to reserve your slot in advance.

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Palazzo Barberini FAQs

Piazza Barberini is famous for the two fountains, the Fontana del Tritone and the Fountain of the Bees. The Fontana del Tritone Fountain is located at the centre of Piazza Barberini and features four dolphins holding up Triton, the God of Sea. The Fountain of Bees is adorned with the carvings of bees which was the emblem of the Barberini family.

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Palazzo Barberini is located in Rome, Italy. Its address is Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.

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The structure of Palazzo Barberini was initially designed and constructed by Carlo Maderno with the assistance of Francesco Borromini. After his death, the construction was completed by Gian Lorenzo Bermini who was a renowned sculptor then.

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Palazzo Barberini was the palace of the influential Italian Barberini family that occupied it in the 17th century. Today, it has been transformed into the National Gallery of Ancient art museum that houses numerous artworks.

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Palazzo Barberini is open between 10 AM and 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday while it is closed on all Mondays. The last admission to the palace is accepted till 5 PM.

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The Roman palace Palazzo Barberini is worth the visit as it is a stunning piece of architecture with a huge collection of artworks and ceiling fresco sketched by the renowned Italian painter Pietro da Cortona.

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Palazzo Barberini

Overview Palazzo Barberini

Palazzo Barberini Highlights

Things to See at Palazzo Barberini

Plan Your Visit To Palazzo Barberini

Palazzo Barberini FAQs

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