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Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Review

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Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

  • Address: Piazza del Collegio Romano 2, around Via del Corso, Rome
  • Phone: 06/6797323
  • www.doriapamphilj.it

Fodor's Review:

Along with the Palazzo Colonna and the Galleria Borghese, this family palace provides the best glimpse of aristocratic Rome. Here, the main attractions are the legendary Old Master paintings, including treasures by Velázquez and Caravaggio, the splendor of the main galleries, and a unique suite of private family apartments. The beauty of the graceful 18th-century facade of this patrician palace may escape you unless you take time to step to the opposite side of the street for a good view; it was designed by Gabriele Valvassori in 1730. The foundations of the immense complex of buildings probably date from classical times. The current building dates from the 15th century, with the exception of the facade. It passed through several hands before it became the property of the famous seafaring Doria family of Genoa, who had married into the Roman Pamphilj (also spelled Pamphili) clan. As in most of Rome's older patrician residences, the family still lives in part of the palace but rents out some of its 1,000 rooms, five courtyards, and four monumental staircases to various public and private enterprises.

The picture gallery is housed in four braccia (wings) that line the palace's courtyard. The first large salon is nearly wallpapered with paintings, and not just any paintings: on one wall, you'll find no less than three pictures by Caravaggio, including his Magdalen and his breathtaking early Rest on the Flight to Egypt. Off the Galleria degli Specchi (Gallery of Mirrors)—reminiscent of Versailles—are the famous Velázquez portrait and the Bernini bust of the Pamphiji pope Innocent X. You'll also find a Titian and some noted 17th-century landscapes by Claude Lorrain and Gaspar Dughet. The audio guide by Jonathan Doria Pamphilj, the current heir, provides an intimate family history well worth listening to.

  • Cost: EUR 8
  • Open: Fri.-Wed. 10-5
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