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Palazzo Spada

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Palazzo Spada (Italy)

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Palazzo Spada in Rome is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and currently serves as the seat of the Italian Council of State. Originally built in 1540 for Cardinal Girolamo Capodiferro, the building was purchased in 1632 by Cardinal Bernardino Spada, who commissioned extensive renovations. The palace's most famous feature is the forced perspective gallery created by Francesco Borromini in 1653 in the courtyard. Through architectural trickery, the gallery, which is only eight meters long, appears to be a 37-meter corridor, ending with what looks like a life-size statue that is actually only 60 centimeters tall. The palace's facade is richly decorated with stucco work and statues of ancient figures, highlighting the prestige of the patron. Inside, the Galleria Spada houses a significant art collection with works by Titian, Guido Reni, and Artemisia Gentileschi, preserved in its original 17th-century hanging arrangement.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Palazzo Spada is open as a museum; visitors can explore the ornate rooms and the famous perspective gallery. Entry to the interior is ticketed; the courtyard is often free to enter. It is advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
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Typical hours
The typical opening hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, but may vary by season. Many palaces in Rome close on Mondays; it is advisable to check current times online. Summer hours often extend later; winter hours may be shorter.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside without flash. Tripods and professional equipment usually require a permit; ask at the ticket counter. The optical illusion is best photographed from the designated viewpoint.
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Time needed
A visit typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes to see the main highlights. The perspective gallery can be admired in a few minutes, but the other rooms deserve attention. If you also explore the area around, plan for about 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, both within walking distance. The historic center of Rome gives many other attractions like the Trevi Fountain. You can also visit the nearby Palazzo della Cancelleria.
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Getting there
The palace is located in the historic center, easily reachable by bus or taxi. The nearest metro station is Barberini (line A) about a 10-minute walk away. Walking from Piazza Navona takes around 5 minutes.
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Insider tip
An insider tip is to visit early in the morning to experience the perspective gallery without crowds. Look for the exact spot where the columns appear to align perfectly. Combine with a coffee at a nearby café.

Geography

Coordinates
41.89400, 12.47200

Facts

  • Original construction year: 1540
  • Acquired by Cardinal Spada in: 1632
  • Actual length of Borromini's gallery: 8.6 meters
  • Apparent length of the gallery: 37 meters
  • Actual height of the terminal statue: 60 centimeters
  • Seat of the Council of State since: 1927

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PantheonPantheon<1 km · NEExplore →
Palace of the Holy OfficePalace of the Holy Office2 km · NWExplore →
ColosseumColosseum2 km · EExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia2 km · NEExplore →
MarconiMarconi3 km · SExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio4 km · NExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Palazzo Spada (10)

Galleria Spada🏛 museum

Museum in Rome, Italy, with a collection of paintings and sculptures in Palazzo Spada.

🕒 We-Mo 08:30-19:30; Tu off; May 1 off; Dec 25 off💶

Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini ai Catinari

Church building in Rome (rione Regola), Italy, known for the Trinity brotherhood.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Quercia

Church building in Rome, Italy, dedicated to the Madonna della Quercia.

Lorcan O'Neill Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Rome.

Chiesa di San Salvatore in Onda

Church building in Rome, Italy, located on the Tiber river.

Institut Français Italia

Cultural centre of the Institut Français in Rome, fostering French-Italian exchange.

Palazzo Farnese

Palace in Rome, Italy, home of the French Embassy.

Stanze di Santa Brigida🏛 museum

Museum in Rome, visits must be requested at the porter's lodge or by phone.

Teatro dei Satiri

Theatre in Rome, the historic Theatre of the Satyrs.

Giordano Bruno monument

Monument to Giordano Bruno on Campo de' Fiori in Rome.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous attraction in Palazzo Spada?
Borromini's 'Perspective Gallery', an optical illusion that makes a short corridor appear much longer.
Where is the palace located in Rome?
It is located in the Regola district, very close to Campo de' Fiori and Palazzo Farnese.
Is the palace open to the public?
Yes, it houses the Galleria Spada, which holds a significant 17th-century art collection.
What can you see in the courtyard?
The courtyard is richly decorated with stucco work and statues of Roman gods and heroes.
Who uses the palace today?
A portion of the palace serves as the seat of the Italian Council of State (Consiglio di Stato).
Palazzo Spada: where is it located?
Palazzo Spada is located in Italy.
Palazzo Spada: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galleria Spada, Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini ai Catinari, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Quercia.
Palazzo Spada: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Palazzo Spada: why is it worth visiting?
Palazzo Spada in Rome is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and currently serves as the seat of the Italian Council of State.
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