Farnese Palace (Palazzo Farnese)

The Basics

Alessandro Farnese commissioned Palazzo Farnese in the 16th century, and the building was expanded to its current size after he became Pope Paul III in 1534, with adornments like Michelangelo’s ornate central window that served as the facade’s focal point and dramatic backdrop for the pope’s public appearances overlooking Piazza Farnese. Today visitors can admire the palazzo’s ornate interiors including Sangallo’s atrium, the Carracci Gallery, and the Hercules salon with tapestries inspired by Raffaello’s frescos, and the courtyard and garden.

Palace visits are only by guided tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and must be booked at least a week ahead of time. View the palace from the outside on a walking, e-bike, or Vespa Rome highlights tour that includes sights such as the Quirinale Palace, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Spanish Steps. Sightseeing tours can easily be combined with skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Palace visits require a security check and each visitor must carry a valid ID that matches the name on the reservation.

• Children under 10 are not allowed.

• The palace is not accessible to wheelchair users.

• Photography and filming are prohibited during the tour.

How to Get There

Palazzo Farnese is located on Piazza Farnese in Rome’s historic center, an easy walk from the busy Largo di Torre Argentina, where a number of city buses stop.

When to Get There

The palace is only open to the public for guided tours booked in advance. To view the palace from the outside, stroll through Piazza Farnese in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is particularly pretty, or at night when the palace is dramatically lit.

The Farnese Family Legacy

The Farnese family was one of the most influential in Rome during the Renaissance and included a number of dukes as well as a pope. In addition to its political and economic power, the family was famous for its extensive sculpture collection, known as the “Farnese Marbles,” portions of which are housed in Naples in the National Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum.

Ways to explore

The only way to enter Farnese Palace and see the Carracci Gallery is to book one of the site’s guided tours, which are only offered a few times per week and must be reserved at least five days in advance. Otherwise, you can see the palace’s exterior on a walking, e-bike, or Vespa tour of Rome’s highlights while stopping at attractions such as Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps along the way. A short walk from culinary hot spots including Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter, Farnese Palace is often a stop on Rome food tours.

Accessibility

Farnese Palace is partially accessible; visitors in wheelchairs can navigate all parts of the site except for the French school and underground areas.

Age limits

Children under 12 years old are not allowed inside the underground visiting area.

What to pack

Other than your passport or official ID, which you’ll need to enter the palace, only bring essentials you can carry in a small bag—there’s no cloakroom.

What to wear

You’ll do lots of walking in and around Farnese Palace, so wear

Not allowed

Bulky bags, photos, using cell phones

Amenities

Restrooms, guided visits in multiple languages

Address

Farnese Palace is centrally located in Rome’s historic center, set between Campo de’ Fiori and the Tiber River. It’s a short walk from Piazza Navona, the Theatre of Marcellus, and many other attractions, though you can also get there by car or public transit.

Driving

Due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking, self-navigating around busy Rome isn’t recommended—instead of renting a car, use the city’s widely available taxis and rideshares to get to Farnese Palace.

Public transportation

Farnese Palace is about a 7-minute walk from the Arenula/Cairoli tram stop on ATAC line 8. Several buses also stop nearby on Lungotevere dei Tebaldi, including the 23, 280, and 46 buses.

Best times to visit

Tour times vary at Farnese Palace, though they usually take place in the afternoon. After your visit, sunset is a pretty time to sit in the piazza outside the palace.

Best days to visit

Farnese Palace only offers tours in English a few times a week, and dates vary. Check the website well in advance when planning your visit.

Best months to visit

Touring Farnese Palace is a great activity year-round, though Rome in general is best experienced when the weather is pleasant from March–May or September–October.