A sequence of spectacular halls

The Galleria Colonna (Colonna Gallery) is one of the most opulent Baroque galleries in Rome: a run of gilded rooms, mirrors, marble and masterpieces, set inside the palace of the historic Colonna family. Here's what you can't miss on your visit (usually Saturday mornings).

The Great Hall

The heart of the gallery is the Sala Grande (Great Hall), over 70 meters long, a triumph of gilding, mirrors, ancient statues and frescoes. The ceiling celebrates the glories of the Colonna family, above all the victory of Marcantonio Colonna at the Battle of Lepanto (1571). It's one of the most cinematic rooms in Rome, and the closing scene of Roman Holiday (Vacanze Romane) was filmed right here. We cover it in a dedicated guide: the Galleria Colonna and Roman Holiday.

The cannonball

Embedded in the marble staircase that cuts across the Great Hall is a real cannonball, lodged there during the 1849 siege of Rome (French troops against the Roman Republic). The family chose to leave it exactly where it landed, as a curious piece of history: it's one of the details visitors hunt for most.

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The paintings: the Mangiafagioli and the masters

The Colonna collection holds painting masterpieces:

  • The famous Mangiafagioli (The Bean Eater) by Annibale Carracci, a vivid, lifelike portrait of a commoner at the table.
  • Works by Bronzino, Tintoretto, Veronese, Guercino and other masters.
  • Family portraits and a rich picture collection spread across the halls.

The apartments and the garden

Beyond the gallery, your visit may include (depending on the ticket):

  • The Appartamento della Principessa Isabelle, with its furnishings and frescoes.
  • The terraced garden at the rear, connected to the gallery.
  • The smaller rooms, just as richly decorated.

How to plan your visit

In 1–1.5 hours you'll see the best of it:

  1. The Great Hall (gilding, frescoes, Roman Holiday set)
  2. The cannonball on the staircase
  3. Carracci's Mangiafagioli and the paintings
  4. The Appartamento Isabelle and the garden (if included)

Frequently asked questions

What should I see at the Galleria Colonna? The spectacular Great Hall with its frescoes and gilding, the cannonball on the staircase, Annibale Carracci's Mangiafagioli, and paintings by Bronzino, Tintoretto and Veronese.

What is the Mangiafagioli? A famous painting by Annibale Carracci showing a commoner eating beans: a vivid, lifelike work and one of the treasures of the Colonna collection.

Why is there a cannonball in the gallery? It landed on the staircase during the 1849 siege of Rome; the Colonna family left it embedded in the marble as a piece of history.

What does the ceiling of the Great Hall celebrate? The glories of the Colonna family, above all Marcantonio Colonna's victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

How much time do I need to see everything? About 1–1.5 hours. Keep in mind that opening is usually limited to Saturday mornings.

See also

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Article #435 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026