Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Rome: The Colonna Palace

The Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica are some of Rome’s most famous landmarks. The Colonna Palace, however, is a treasure that is still mostly hidden and only a select few are fortunate enough to witness its magnificence. Only a few are allowed entry to this private home-museum, an aristocratic residence that has stood as a testament to history, art, and nobility for centuries, despite the fact that millions of people visit the city each year.

The Enigmatic Colonna Palace

The Colonna Palace is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. Located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Piazza Venezia, this baroque palace covers an entire city block and is hidden in plain sight. The palace’s owners have long adhered to a policy of exclusivity, allowing only small groups of visitors to step inside. This ensures that the treasures housed within its walls remain untouched by the throngs of tourists who flood the more well-known sites in Rome.

With a history spanning over 800 years, the Colonna family has maintained the palace’s privacy, guarding its art and artefacts from public view. The palace is not open for mass tourism, and tours are restricted to small groups, guided by knowledgeable art historians. This level of privacy serves to preserve the legacy of the Colonna family, whose members have played significant roles in the history of Rome and the Catholic Church.

A Legacy of Art and Power

The Colonna Palace is not just a museum but a living monument to one of Rome’s most influential noble families. It has belonged to the Colonnas since the 12th century, a family whose loyalty to the Papacy earned them the title of “black nobility”. This term refers to families who remained faithful to the Pope and the Papal State when Italy unified in 1870. They displayed black banners outside their palaces in mourning, while inside, they continued to safeguard their priceless collections of art.

The palace is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, featuring paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and busts that have been carefully preserved over the centuries. Among the most remarkable features is the Great Hall, which stretches 76 metres (249 feet) in length, adorned with a frescoed ceiling that depicts the heroic feats of the Colonna ancestors, particularly Marcantonio Colonna, a 16th-century naval commander.

The Throne Room: A Glimpse Into the Past

Inside the palace, the Throne Room stands as a symbol of the family’s historical importance. A portrait of Pope Martin V, who was a member of the Colonna family, graces the room. He became the Pope in 1417 and chose the palace as his residence for a decade. This room, along with other parts of the palace, offers a glimpse into a past of great power and influence, a time when the Colonnas played a central role in both the political and religious spheres of Europe.

The palace’s unique blend of art, history, and aristocratic heritage provides an intimate experience of Rome’s more hidden cultural treasures. Unlike the overcrowded tourist hotspots, the Colonna Palace offers an exclusive, serene atmosphere that allows visitors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship without the distractions of large crowds.

Preservation and Protection: A Family’s Duty

The Colonna family has been fiercely protective of their collection, ensuring that it remains in the palace for future generations. During World War II, Princess Isabella Colonna, a member of the family, ordered the art pieces to be hidden in a wing of the palace, where the entrances were walled up to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Nazis. This act of preservation ensured that the masterpieces would survive the war and remain intact.

The palace is governed by a trust that guarantees the artworks will never be sold or moved, safeguarding the legacy of the Colonna family and their contributions to the cultural heritage of Rome. This dedication to preservation is what makes the Colonna Palace not only an extraordinary historical site but also a living testament to the family’s commitment to maintaining their heritage.

The Colonna Family: Rome’s Noble Stewards

The Colonnas’ connection to Rome runs deep. They are considered one of the great families of the city, having contributed significantly to its cultural and political development over the centuries. Patrizia Piergiovanni, the director of the palace’s gallery, emphasizes that the Colonnas cannot be separated from the city of Rome itself. The palace is a symbol of the family’s enduring presence and influence in the heart of the city.

The family’s most recent generation, led by Don Prospero Colonna, continues to live in the palace. Don Prospero, who holds the title of “Prince of the Colonna Family”, is the current steward of the palace, overseeing the preservation of its collection. Under his watchful eye, the palace remains a private residence, open only on rare occasions to the public for exclusive events and guided tours.

A Hidden Hollywood Connection

The Colonna Palace has also found its way into Hollywood history. In 1952, it was used as the setting for the final scene of the classic film Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. The palace’s opulent Great Hall provided the backdrop for Hepburn’s portrayal of a princess who is being interviewed by foreign journalists. The Colonna family graciously allowed the filmmakers to use their residence for this iconic scene, which has since become a symbol of Roman aristocracy.

This unique connection to cinema adds another layer of intrigue to the Colonna Palace, highlighting its enduring presence in both the historical and cultural consciousness of the world.

A Rare Opportunity: Visiting the Colonna Palace

For those fortunate enough to gain access, a visit to the Colonna Palace offers an unforgettable experience. The tours are limited to small groups, ensuring a more personal and enriching encounter with the artworks and history. Visitors are guided by art historians who provide in-depth knowledge about the palace’s history, the Colonna family, and the masterpieces on display.

However, access to the palace is not easy to come by. Tours are only available on select days, typically Friday and Saturday mornings, and reservations are essential. The palace’s owners have made it clear that they are not interested in commercialising the space or allowing mass tourism to diminish its value. This policy ensures that the palace remains an exclusive site, preserving its sanctity and historical integrity.

The Colonna Palace: A Hidden Treasure

The Colonna Palace is a unique and exclusive location for individuals looking to gain a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and culture, even in a city full of well-known landmarks and popular tourist destinations. The palace provides an unrivalled chance to see a side of Rome that most people never see because of its unparalleled art collection, centuries-old history, and affiliation with the influential Colonna family.

The Colonna Palace offers visitors a unique window into the past, enabling them to observe the legacy of one of Rome’s most powerful families within its gilded halls. For those who truly appreciate art, history, and Rome’s timeless beauty, it is a hidden gem just waiting to be unearthed.

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