Montecitorio Palace (Palazzo Montecitorio)

The Basics

Many walking tours of Rome’s highlights pass through Piazza di Monte Citorio to see Palazzo Montecitorio’s impressive baroque facade, along with nearby attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. Specialized tours focusing on Rome’s baroque monuments and works by Bernini also generally include a stop at Palazzo Montecitorio. The palace was originally built to house the Pontifical Curia, and it served a variety of functions over the centuries before becoming the seat of the Chamber of Deputies after the unification of Italy and the transfer of the capital to Rome in 1870.

Those interested in viewing the palazzo’s beautiful art nouveau interiors, completely reworked by Ernesto Basile in the early 1900s, can join a Montecitorio a Porte Aperte tour, usually held the first Sunday of the month. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance, and tours are led by Chamber of Deputies staff members in Italian.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Walking tours of Rome’s top attractions are largely outdoors and require significant time on your feet, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

• Visitors can only view Palazzo Montecitorio from outside unless joining a guided Chamber of Deputies tour the first Sunday of the month.

• Palazzo Montecitorio is especially interesting for architecture enthusiasts.

• The outdoor piazza is accessible to wheelchair users; the interiors are partially accessible so confirm ahead of time if joining a Montecitorio a Porte Aperte tour.

How to Get There

Palazzo Montecitorio is located on Piazza di Monte Citorio, between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. The nearest transportation hub is Piazza Barberini, where metro line A and several buses stop.

When to Get There

Palazzo Montecitorio is only open to the public for guided tours the first Sunday of the month. To see the palace from the outside, stroll through Piazza di Monte Citorio in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are milder, or at night when the palace is lit.

Highlights of Palazzo Montecitorio Inside and Out

Palazzo Montecitorio was completely reworked in the art nouveau style in the early 20th century, but the exterior baroque facade with its clock tower, carved window sills, and grand balconied entrance designed by Bernini remain untouched. The redesigned interiors feature the main chamber and the Transatlantico, a long salon that’s considered the informal center of Italian politics.

Ways to explore

The only opportunity to visit inside and view the palazzo’s beautiful art nouveau interiors is on the Montecitorio a Porte Aperte tour, which is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Chamber of Deputies staff members lead tours in Italian.

Many walking tours of Rome’s highlights pass through Piazza di Monte Citorio to see the facade of Montecitorio Palace, along with nearby attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), and the Pantheon. Specialized tours focusing on Rome’s architecture or history also generally include a stop outside the palace.

Accessibility

While the outdoor piazza is accessible to wheelchair users, visitors touring the interiors should confirm accessibility in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunhat

Not allowed

Visits inside the palace are impossible without taking the monthly Montecitorio a Porte Aperte guided tour.

Address

Montecitorio Palace is on the central Piazza di Monte Citorio, between the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. You can usually walk there without a problem from other central Rome attractions, but you can also take public transportation.

Driving

The palace is on a pedestrian square and deep in the heart of Rome’s inner city. It’s also located in its restricted driving zone, making it hard to self-navigate and find parking, so driving isn’t recommended. Take a taxi or rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Various buses run to the bus stop at Largo Chigi, just around the corner from the palace. Alternatively, take metro line A to the Barberini stop and walk about 15 minutes to get there.

Best times to visit

Afternoon light gives the palace’s facade a golden glow, but the exterior can be seen at any time of day.

Best days to visit

Montecitorio Palace is only open to the public for guided tours on the first Sunday of most months.

Best months to visit

Montecitorio a Porte Aperte tours are held between October and June, providing another reason to avoid the summer months besides the crowds.

Special events

The palace occasionally holds special events, such as seminars; check the Chamber of Deputies’ events calendar to see upcoming events.