Welcome to Palazzo Colonna, one of Rome’s most dazzling private palaces and a masterpiece of Baroque grandeur. Located just off Piazza Venezia in the heart of the Eternal City, this spectacular residence has been home to one of Rome’s most powerful noble families for over 700 years - and it shows. From glittering galleries lined with Old Master paintings to antique-filled salons, the palace is a jaw-dropping time capsule of aristocratic splendor.
In this guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to get tickets, when to go, what not to miss, and why this hidden gem deserves a place on your Rome itinerary.
Let’s open the golden doors of Palazzo Colonna and step into another world.
Why Should You Visit Palazzo Colonna?
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through a real-life palace with all the trimmings - think mirror-lined halls, ceiling frescoes, gilded furniture, and superb art on every surface - Palazzo Colonna delivers in spectacular fashion. This is no dusty museum: it’s a living, breathing aristocratic residence, still inhabited by descendants of the same family who first built it.
The highlight is the magnificent Great Hall, a soaring 17th-century showpiece designed to impress visiting royalty, popes, and dignitaries. It houses a stunning collection of paintings and an extraordinary frescoed ceiling, all set against a backdrop of marble floors, chandeliers, and golden stucco.
But it’s not just the art and architecture that captivate; this place is steeped in history. The Colonna family were power players in medieval and Renaissance Rome, producing cardinals, generals, poets, and even a pope.
If you’re looking for something truly special to do on a Saturday morning in Rome, especially if you’ve already done the Vatican and Colosseum, Palazzo Colonna is a secret well worth discovering.
A Brief History of Palazzo Colonna
The story of Palazzo Colonna begins in the 14th century, when the Colonna family built their stronghold on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill. Originally a fortified compound typical of Rome’s noble clans, the residence evolved over the centuries into a sprawling, interconnected complex.
The palace got a major upgrade in the late 16th century, when Prince Filippo I Colonna began transforming it into a Baroque residence worthy of the family’s rising fortunes. Over the next 150 years, the project continued under successive princes, culminating in the construction of the spectacular Galleria Colonna, completed in 1703 by architect Antonio del Grande.
The gallery was designed to commemorate the family’s greatest hero: Marcantonio II Colonna, who led the papal fleet to victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. His triumph is immortalized in a massive ceiling fresco that also sees the general being invited into heaven itself.
For a more detailed history of Palazzo Colonna, see our dedicated article here: The Palazzo Colonna in Rome: A Hidden Baroque Gem in the Eternal City.
How Do I Get to Palazzo Colonna?
Palazzo Colonna is located in central Rome, just behind Piazza Venezia, a major transport hub easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
The entrance is at Via della Pilotta 17. If you're walking, it's:
- About 10 minutes from the Trevi Fountain
- Around 25 minutes from Termini Station
- 15 minutes from the Colosseum
The closest bus stops are at Piazza Venezia, served by multiple lines including 40, 64, 70, and 87. The nearest metro stops are Cavour (Line B) and Barberini (Line A), both about a 15-minute walk away.
What Are the Opening Hours of Palazzo Colonna?
Palazzo Colonna is only open to the general public on Saturday mornings, so plan accordingly.
- Opening hours: Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2 PM
- Last entrance: 1:15 PM
In addition to the Saturday morning opening, it is possible to visit the palace on Friday mornings via official guided tour only, which must be booked in advance via the Palazzo Colonna official website.
How Much Do Tickets to Palazzo Colonna Cost?
There are two ticket options for the Palace:
- General Admission (Galleria, Great Hall and Garden only): €15
- Full itinerary including the Princess Isabella Apartments: €25
- Children under 12 go free
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance on the day; while the palace is usually not particularly busy, this hidden gem is becoming more well known so we recommend that you book your ticket in advance online during high season to be on the safe side.
It’s also worth considering taking a private tour of the Palace with a reputable company, which means you won’t have to worry about tickets or booking (see below).
Is It Worth Taking a Tour of Palazzo Colonna?
Yes—especially if you want to get the full story behind the palace’s art, architecture, and history. While the rooms and gallery are visually overwhelming in the best way, having a guide to explain the stories behind the paintings and the personalities who lived here adds immeasurably to the experience.
Through Eternity Tours offer guided itineraries to the Palazzo Colonna led by expert art historians. Click the link below to learn more.
How Long Should I Spend at Palazzo Colonna?
We recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for your visit—longer if you plan to visit the Princess Isabella apartments.
The sheer richness of the space means you’ll want to take your time soaking up the details—painted ceilings, gilded mirrors, and floor-to-ceiling masterpieces included.
What to See at Palazzo Colonna
There’s a lot to take in at Palazzo Colonna. Here are the must-see highlights to look out for:
- Great Hall of the Battle of Lepanto
This stunning gallery is longer than the Great Hall of Versaille, and is filled with dramatic depictions of the 1571 naval clash that secured the family’s fame. Look out for Colonna ships flying their banners.
- Galleria Colonna
The heart of the palace, this magnificent gallery stretches nearly 80 meters and is packed with 17th-century grandeur. Highlights include the “Mangiafagioli” (The Bean Eater) by Annibale Carracci as well as well as works by Bruegel the Elder, Guido Reni, and Salvator Rosa.
- Princess Isabella Apartments
A beautifully preserved series of rooms lived in by Princess Isabella Colonna until her death in 1984. Period furnishings, personal photos, and family heirlooms provide a fascinating glimpse into 20th-century aristocratic life.
- Garden Terrace
The palace’s lovely gardens extend over terraces dotted with fountains and sculptures.
Ready to explore one of Rome’s most dazzling hidden gems? Make your Saturday morning in the Eternal City unforgettable with a visit to Palazzo Colonna—where every step takes you deeper into the world of Roman nobility, Baroque splendor, and living history.
MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:
- A History of the Palazzo Colonna in Rome
- Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Rome
- How to visit the Colosseum in 2025: Tickets, Hours, and More
- 7 Things you Need to Know About the Trevi Fountain
- Visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica: The Complete Guide
- 9 Things You Need to Know About the Pantheon in Rome
- 5 Reasons to Explore Italy with Through Eternity
- The Best Catacombs to Visit in Rome
For 25 years, Through Eternity have been organizing itineraries showcasing the best of Rome led by our resident expert guides. If you're planning a visit to the Eternal City this year, be sure to get in touch to help plan your perfect trip!