Palazzo Farnese

Overview

Dominating a sweeping, beautifully symmetric square in the historic center, Palazzo Farnese is widely considered the absolute pinnacle of High Renaissance palace architecture in Rome. It is a massive, incredibly imposing structure that currently houses the French Embassy.

Highlights

• The Architecture: The massive, perfectly proportioned, intensely austere travertine facade designed initially by Sangallo the Younger and brilliantly completed by Michelangelo.
• The Farnese Gallery: The absolute masterpiece hidden inside—a breathtaking, monumental long vaulted hall brightly frescoed between 1597 and 1608 by Annibale Carracci depicting the "Loves of the Gods," heavily rivaling the Sistine Chapel.
• Piazza Farnese: The beautiful square outside featuring two massive, identical granite bathtub fountains sourced directly from the ancient Baths of Caracalla.

History

Commissioned in 1515 by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (who would become Pope Paul III). He violently ruthlessly cannibalized the Colosseum and the Theatre of Marcellus, ripping out massive travertine stones simply to build this palace. It has securely served as the highly prestigious French Embassy to Italy since 1936.

Visitor Tips

• Strict Access: Because it is a high-security embassy, you absolutely cannot simply walk in. Access is granted strictly via heavily vetted, extremely limited guided tours that must be booked online months in advance.
• The Exterior: Even if you cannot get inside, it is highly worth sitting by the fountains at night when the massive facade is beautifully illuminated.