Pamphilj Palace (Palazzo Pamphilj)
Piazza Navona 14, Rome, Italy, 00186
Dominating Piazza Navona, Pamphilj Palace (Palazzo Pamphilj) was commissioned in the 17th century by Pope Innocent X (born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj). Some of the best-known artists and architects in Rome—including Borromini and da Cortona—were called on to design and decorate the interiors and facade of this sumptuous symbol of the family’s power and prestige. Today, this baroque masterpiece’s lavish interior halls, courtyards, and galleries house the Brazilian Embassy.
The Basics
In 1644, Giovanni Battista Pamphilj hired architect Girolamo Rainaldi to expand and redesign a 14th-century palace owned by the Pamphilj dynasty, transforming it into a sumptuous symbol of the family’s power and prestige. Some of the best-known artists and architects in the city contributed to the project. Today, Palazzo Pamphilj is one of Rome’s baroque masterpieces, with lavish interior halls, courtyards, and galleries. Brazil has owned the palace since 1961.
You can book a guided tour of the palace with the Brazilian Embassy. Otherwise, tours of Piazza Navona and environs sometimes include a stop to admire the palace’s elegant facade.
Things to Know Before You Go
Palazzo Pamphilj is a must-see for baroque architecture enthusiasts.
Tours last 40 minutes and are offered in Italian and Portuguese only—reserve via the Brazilian Embassy website.
The palace also houses the Galleria Candido Portinari, which hosts temporary art exhibits.
Some areas of the palace aren’t accessible to strollers and wheelchairs—confirm in advance.
How to Get There
Palazzo Pamphilj overlooks lively Piazza Navona in the center of Rome. Get there via one of the many buses that stop on nearby Largo di Torre Argentina.
When to Get There
The Brazilian Embassy offers guided visits each afternoon, which must be reserved in advance. The palace’s facade is particularly theatrical when lit at night, so stop by after sunset for dramatic photos.
The Highlights of Palazzo Pamphilj
Built as a symbol of the newly elected pope’s wealth and power, the palace’s ornate interiors were designed to dazzle. Besides the staircase and two courtyards, check out the splendid series of halls on the first floor, richly frescoed by some of Rome’s most famous 17th-century artists. The crown jewel is the Galleria Cortona, designed by Borromini and decorated by da Cortona, where the pope would entertain and hope to impress his most honored guests.
Ways to explore
Admire the elegant facade of Pamphilj Palace as you walk by the building. Alternatively, see it while on a guided tour of Piazza Navona’s highlights or a themed itinerary that highlights Rome’s baroque architecture. Most Rome city tours (on foot, by bike, tuk-tuk, or golf cart) take a turn through Piazza Navona for a glimpse of the facade overlooking the square. The palace is dramatically lit after dark, making it a staple of nighttime tours in the historic center of Rome. The Brazilian Embassy occasionally offers guided tours of the Pamphilj Palace’s interiors and can be booked online through the embassy’s website.
Accessibility
The exteriors of the palace are wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the interior are not. Confirm in advance if booking an interior tour.
Age limits
Guided tours may have minimum age limits. Confirm when booking.
What to pack
Camera, bottled water
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen for exterior tours
Not allowed
The Brazilian Embassy has strict security regulations for interior tours and provides visitors with a list of banned items when booking.
Amenities
Restrooms for tour participants only; otherwise, there are public restrooms just outside of Piazza Navona.
Address
Palazzo Pamphilj overlooks the lively Piazza Navona in the center of Rome, an easy walk from many of the city’s premier tourist attractions. You can also get there via one of the many buses that stop at nearby transportation hubs.
Driving
The Piazza Navona district is known for its 1-way streets, restricted traffic, and limited parking. Opt to visit the square and Pamphilj Palace on foot or by public transportation.
Public transportation
The transportation hubs of Piazza delle Cinque Lune and Largo di Torre Argentina are located near Piazza Navona, with city bus stops and taxi stands. Buses including the 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628 lines stop at Piazza delle Cinque Lune, while buses including the 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 492, 628, and 916 lines stop at Largo di Torre Argentina.
Best times to visit
The palace facade is a striking sight both day and night, while visiting the interiors of the palace is only possible when the Brazilian Embassy offers guided tours.
Best days to visit
The exterior overlooks Piazza Navona, which is accessible day or night.
Best months to visit
Piazza Navona offers little shelter from the elements, so tour in the spring or fall to avoid the extreme summer and winter temperatures.
Special events
The Brazilian Embassy occasionally hosts cultural events inside Palazzo Pamphilj. Check the embassy website for more information.
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