Palazzo Barberini in Rome

Palazzo Barberini is located on Via delle Quattro Fontane in Rome. It is just off of Piazza Barberini, home to the famous Trevi Fountain. Palazzo Barberini is just a few minutes walking from the Piazza Barberini metro stop, and is closed on Mondays.

A palace made in the baroque style, it was started by Carlo Maderno in 1627 and not finished until 1633 by Bernini. Palazzo Barberini in Rome is now home to a portion of the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica (National Gallery of Ancient Art), including masterpieces by Raphael (“La Fornarina”) and Carravaggio (“Judith Beheading Holofernes” and “Narcissus”) as well as minor works from Tintoretto and El Greco. The central hall contains Pietro da Cortona’s “Triumph of Divine Providence,” a work which would have a lasting impact on artists for years to come. In addition to the art gallery, the lavish rococo apartments of the former prince and princess are sure to delight visitors.

The architecture of Palazzo Barberini is itself stunning. Perhaps its most notable external feature is the three levels of arched-windows located along the façade. Once inside, there are two staircases that lead to the main floor which is home to numerous beautiful frescoes.

There is also something for the history buffs. On November 4, 1950, the European Convention on Human Rights was signed at Palazzo Barberini in Rome, creating the European Court of Human Rights. Designed to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe, it has served as a model for human rights conventions all over the world.