A Renaissance masterpiece worth discovering

A visit to the Palazzo della Cancelleria is a journey into the early Roman Renaissance, through harmonious architecture, monumental frescoes and an ancient basilica tucked inside the palace. Here's what not to miss (access can vary, as this is Vatican property).

The Renaissance courtyard

The jewel of the palace is its magnificent arcaded courtyard: an elegant quadrangle with a double tier of arches on granite columns, harmonious and luminous in rhythm. It's considered one of the finest Renaissance courtyards in Rome and, on its own, justifies the visit. We explore the palace's architecture in depth in the history of the Palazzo della Cancelleria.

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The Hall of the Hundred Days

Inside the palace lies the famous Hall of the Hundred Days, a vast hall frescoed by Giorgio Vasari: by tradition, it was painted in just hundred days (hence the name). The walls celebrate the deeds of pope Paul III Farnese in monumental scenes. We give it a closer look here: Vasari's Hall of the Hundred Days.

The façade

The travertine façade on Piazza della Cancelleria is a model of Renaissance elegance: smooth surfaces, evenly spaced windows and a refined sense of proportion. It's one of the most understated and harmonious fronts of the Roman Renaissance, far from Baroque exuberance.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso

Built into the palace is the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso, one of Rome's oldest churches (its origins date back to the 4th century), rebuilt within the complex. It's usually entered from the outside: it preserves works of art and the atmosphere of a thousand-year-old place of worship hidden inside a Renaissance palace.

How to plan your visit

  1. Admire the façade on Piazza della Cancelleria
  2. Step into the arcaded Renaissance courtyard
  3. Visit (if open) Vasari's Hall of the Hundred Days
  4. Seek out the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso
  5. Continue on to Campo de' Fiori, just steps away

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see at the Palazzo della Cancelleria? The arcaded Renaissance courtyard, the travertine façade, the Hall of the Hundred Days frescoed by Vasari and the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso built into the palace.

What is the Cancelleria courtyard? An elegant arcaded courtyard with a double tier of arches on granite columns, one of the finest Renaissance courtyards in Rome.

What is the Hall of the Hundred Days? A vast hall frescoed by Giorgio Vasari, painted — by tradition — in hundred days, with scenes celebrating pope Paul III.

Can you always go in? As property of the Holy See, access can vary; the courtyard and temporary exhibitions are generally open to visitors. Check current conditions before you go.

How much time do you need? Usually 30-45 minutes for the courtyard and accessible rooms, best paired with Campo de' Fiori and the historic center.

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Article #615 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026