Among all Roman Baroque palaces, Palazzo Barberini stands out for its striking design, paintings, and cultural influence. This 17th-century palace is best known for its picturesque Piazza, and its two famous fountains — Triton Fountain and Fontana Delle API. The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica located inside the Palace is the house of the main national collection of older paintings in Rome.
Located in the heart of Rome, Palazzo Barberini has a solid reason to be explored. In this post, we shall unveil all reasons why you should visit it, its architecture, interiors, scoring tickets, frequently asked questions, and more.
Palazzo Barberini In A Nutshell
Know before you go
Best time to visit - Early opening hours or evenings
Starting Palazzo Barberini Ticket price - €15.95
Suggested duration - 2-3 Hours
Closest train stop - Castel Gandolfo
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday - 10 am - 6 pm
Closed on Monday
Must-see
Frescos
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica
Piazza Barberini
Fontana del Tritone
Address
Via Carlo Rosselli, 1, 00040 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy
Get there
Why Visit Palazzo Barberini
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
Palazzo Barberini is located only a few steps from the Trevi fountain - one of the most photographed places in Rome. With that convenience, it also gives you a lot to see and be amused about. It was built by the Barberini family to match their family’s status when they reached their peak fame in the 17th century on account of Maffeo Barberini being elected to be Pope as Urban VIII. Baroque masters Gianlorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, took upon themselves after Maderno’s death to design the final monument.
Beyond its eye-catching Baroque architecture, the palace is also home to the grand art collection of Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica. The palace forms a magnificent backdrop for the art pieces and makes heads turn (upward) with their intricate frescos. Another noteworthy part of the palace is its garden, which is free to enter throughout the year. They make for a perfect picnic any time of the year. With so much to offer, Palazzo Barberini must be a part of your Rome bucket list.
Palazzo Barberini Interior — Jaw-dropping And Breathtaking!
The interiors of Palazzo Barberini are just as amusing and lavish as the exteriors. The decor of every room screams opulence. One of such rooms that you must take a look inside is the Hall of Constantine which features a ceiling decorated with gold leaf. Here are some other parts of Palazzo Barberini Interior that are sure to impress you:
Palazzo Barberini Ceiling
The hall of Pietro da Cortona, a double-height grand salon, grants a peek into the Baroque ceiling fresco. Sporting clouds and swirling figures, this piece is titled Triumph of the Divine Providence and the Barberini family. It symbolizes the spiritual and secular life of the Barberini family.
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica
Palazzo Barberini Staircase
Francesco Borromini’s Spiral Staircase is one the most intriguing works of architecture you will come across in Rome. The great architect, Borromini, created an oval-shaped staircase spirals upwards with Doric columns decorated using the family’s bees. It is located in the Palazzo’s south wing and links Cardinal Francesco Barberini’s private suite of rooms.
Which Palazzo Barberini Tickets Should You Buy?
Palazzo Barberini is not only a favorite of the tourists but also of the locals and naturally has very long waiting lines. Here are two ways to pick your Palazzo Barberini tickets so you can save time and dime:
Skip-the-line Palazzo Barberini tickets
Skipping the line gives you the benefit of moving past the long waiting lines in seconds. This is also the best pick if you love to explore the palace and the gallery at your own pace.
Combo Tickets
If you are going to visit more than just Palazzo Barberini, you should pick the combo tickets that offer amazing deals. You can couple your Palazzo Barberin tickets along with the stunning Borghese Gallery or Galleria Arte Moderna Nazionale for only a few extra euros!
Plan Your Visit
Palazzo Barberini Opening Hours
The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The last entrance is at 5 pm. On Mondays, December 25th, and January 1st, the palace remains closed.
Getting to Palazzo Barberini
By Bus
The closest bus stop is Tritone/Barberini which is only a 2-minute walk to the palace.
By Subway
The closest subway station is Barberini. It is located behind the palace and is only a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
By Car
Type P.za Barberini, 00187 Roma RM, Italy on your smartphone GPS app and follow the directions.
Accessibility
The palace and the exhibition rooms are wheelchair-friendly. They also have a separate parking space by the ticket office for those with wheelchairs.
Best Time To Visit Palazzo Barberini
The best time to visit Palazzo Barberini is during the early opening hours. You get ample time to spend in the gardens minus the tourist flock.
Tips For First Time Palazzo Barberini Visitors
- Wednesdays are usually the least crowded days to visit. Book your Palazzo Barberini tickets online and at least 3 days in advance since the slots get booked quickly.
- The cloakrooms are temporarily unavailable. You would need to drop off heavy luggage in your hotel room instead.
- Cashless transactions are more appreciated if you wish to buy the tickets on spot.
Attractions Near Palazzo Barberini
Here are some top attractions which are located near Palazzo Barberini that you should add to your itinerary.
Restaurants Near Palazzo Barberini
Ambrosia is a fine dining rooftop bar and restaurant offering Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Healthy, Romana, Lazio, and Central-Italian cuisines. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Some of the best on the menu are white chocolate martini, lobster, and tenderloin.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 160 meters
Doveralu is a gem of a restaurant hidden away in plain sight on Via Nazionale 215. They serve authentic Italian delicacies and have an amazing bar menu. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It is the place you must go to grab some amazing food while not burning a deep hole in your pocket.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
The Gelatist is another gastronomic treasure on Via Nazionale. They are known for their Italian desserts which are available in vegetarian and vegan options. Cheesecake Nutella, crepes, Mandarin, and pistachios are some of their best known menus.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
La Nazionale Gelateria is another ice cream shop that you must not miss in the neighborhood. Passion fruit gelato, kiwi gelato, and macaroons are some of the local’s favorites.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 150 meters
Hotels Near Palazzo Barberini
Hotel Cortina is an elegant hotel that is located only a few steps away from Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, and the Spanish Steps. You will find all the modern amenities you would expect in a modest hotel. The suites also offer amazing views of the Roman skyline.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 100 meters
If you want to experience true Italian living, Hotel Gea Di Vulcano is the perfect place to stay at. The suites are decorated with earthy and coastal Italian decors. They also offer all modern amenities while not costing a fortune.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 120 meters
If you are ready to shell out a few more euros for some lux, spend a night at Hotel Artemide. The 4-star hotel is located in downtown Rome and is only a stone’s throw away from all the major attractions. They also have a spa, a gym, couple’s massage, and a rooftop bar and restaurant in addition to all the expected amenities.
Distance from Palazzo Barberini: 100 meters
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Palazzo Barberini?
Why was the Palazzo Barberini built?
Why is Piazza Barberini famous?
When was Palazzo Barberini built?
What is there to see in Palazzo Barberini?
How can I buy Palazzo Barberini tickets?
Do I need tickets to enter Palazzo Barberini?
When can I enter Palazzo Barberini for free?
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