A museum inside a Renaissance palace

At Palazzo Altemps, classical art and Renaissance architecture come together: the sculptures are displayed in the palace's frescoed halls, recreating the atmosphere of the great noble collections. Here's what not to miss on your visit, from the masterpieces of the Ludovisi collection to the historic interiors.

The Ludovisi Throne

The most celebrated piece is the Ludovisi Throne, a 5th-century BC Greek original carved with the delicate relief of the birth of Venus rising from the waves. It's one of the most admired works of ancient sculpture in Rome, of rare grace and refinement.

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The masterpieces of the Ludovisi collection

Beyond the Throne, the Ludovisi collection holds some extraordinary sculptures:

  • The Ludovisi Gaul, the warrior taking his own life after killing his wife — intense and deeply dramatic.
  • The Ludovisi Ares, a statue of the god of war restored by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
  • The grand Ludovisi sarcophagus, its frenzied battle between Romans and barbarians carved in high relief.
  • The colossal head of the Ludovisi Juno, which captivated Goethe.

Full details in our guide to the Ludovisi collection at Palazzo Altemps.

The palace: courtyard, loggia and church

The palace itself is part of the visit:

  • The graceful, harmonious Renaissance courtyard.
  • The painted loggia, frescoed with a pergola of grapevines, flowers and birds.
  • The church of Sant'Aniceto, the private chapel of the Altemps family.
  • The halls with their original ceilings and frescoes.

The Egyptian collection

Palazzo Altemps also holds a section of Egyptian art (Aegyptiaca) tied to the cult of the Egyptian gods in Rome: a core of finds that bears witness to Egypt's allure in the ancient capital.

How to plan your visit

  1. Start with the Ludovisi collection and the Throne
  2. Take in the Gaul, Bernini's Ares and the sarcophagus
  3. Visit the courtyard and the painted loggia
  4. Step into the church of Sant'Aniceto
  5. Finish with the Egyptian section

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous work at Palazzo Altemps? The Ludovisi Throne, a 5th-century BC Greek original carved with the relief of the birth of Venus.

What is the Ludovisi Gaul? A sculpture from the Ludovisi collection depicting a Gaulish warrior taking his own life after killing his wife: one of the museum's most dramatic works.

Is it true that Bernini restored a statue here? Yes: the Ludovisi Ares, the statue of the god of war, was restored by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

What else is there to see beyond the sculptures? The Renaissance courtyard, the painted loggia, the private church of Sant'Aniceto and a collection of Egyptian art.

How long does it take? About an hour to an hour and a half for the collection and the palace interiors.

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Article #641 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026