Rome's most "cinematic" room

The Great Hall of the Galleria Colonna (Colonna Gallery) is one of the most spectacular rooms in Rome — and one of the most famous in all of cinema. It served as the set for the closing scene of Roman Holiday (Vacanze Romane, 1953), the beloved film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck: Princess Ann's press conference, the last bittersweet meeting between the two leads, was shot right here, among the gilding, the mirrors, and the statues of this breathtaking hall.

Stepping inside means walking through a set that earned its place in film history — and through a masterpiece of Roman Baroque.

The film's closing scene

Anyone who remembers Roman Holiday can't forget the ending: Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) receives the press in a sumptuous hall, spots reporter Joe (Gregory Peck) among the journalists, and the two exchange glances heavy with emotion and longing. That hall is the Great Hall of Palazzo Colonna. Its length, its light, its mirrors, and its family portraits make it the perfect backdrop — regal and made for the screen.

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The Great Hall beyond the film

Beyond cinema, the Great Hall is a masterpiece in its own right: more than 70 meters long, it's a triumph of gilded stucco, mirrors, columns, and ancient statues, crowned by a frescoed ceiling celebrating Marcantonio Colonna's victory at the Battle of Lepanto (1571). Don't miss the famous cannonball of 1849, lodged in the staircase that runs through it. In short, it's one of the richest and most beautiful rooms in Rome.

How to visit

The Great Hall is part of the Galleria Colonna, which is generally open to the public only on Saturday mornings (plus a few special dates). To admire the movie's room, you'll need to plan your visit for that day. For hours and tickets, see our guide to Palazzo Colonna tickets and hours; for the other masterpieces, what to see at the Galleria Colonna.

Frequently asked questions

Where was the closing scene of Roman Holiday filmed? In the Great Hall of the Galleria Colonna, at Palazzo Colonna, Rome: the final press conference with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Can you visit the room from the film? Yes: it's part of the Galleria Colonna, open to the public generally on Saturday mornings. So you'll need to plan your visit for that day.

What makes the Great Hall so special? It's more than 70 meters long, with gilding, mirrors, statues, and a ceiling depicting the Battle of Lepanto: one of the most spectacular rooms in Rome, and the set of Roman Holiday.

When did Roman Holiday come out? In 1953, with Audrey Hepburn (in her first major role) and Gregory Peck. It's one of the most loved films set in Rome.

When is the Galleria Colonna open? Generally only on Saturday mornings, as it's a private collection. Check hours and dates on the official website.

See also

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Article #436 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026