The Baroque palace of the Barberini popes

Palazzo Barberini is one of Rome's most sumptuous Baroque palaces, and today, alongside Palazzo Corsini, it houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica. Built in the 17th century for the Barberini family — the family of Pope Urbano VIII (Maffeo Barberini) — it is at once an architectural masterpiece and a treasure chest of painting, with works by Raffaello, Caravaggio, Holbein and many others.

It stands at Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, a short walk from Piazza Barberini, the Fontana di Trevi and the Quirinale: a central location that makes it easy to slot into any itinerary.

Three great architects for one palace

The story of Palazzo Barberini is the story of the greatest architects of the Roman Baroque:

  • Carlo Maderno launched the project.
  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini brought it to completion, signing the monumental square staircase.
  • Francesco Borromini created the famous oval helical staircase, a jewel of ingenuity and geometry.

The two staircases — one by Bernini, one by Borromini — are reason enough to visit on their own: they embody two opposing, brilliant visions of the Baroque.

Pietro da Cortona's ceiling

The heart of the palace is the Gran Salone, with its celebrated ceiling fresco: the Triumph of Divine Providence by Pietro da Cortona, one of the absolute masterpieces of Baroque painting. It's an explosion of figures, clouds and light that seems to burst the ceiling open toward the sky: look up and take your time to admire it.

Want to visit Palazzo Barberini without worrying about parking or the ZTL?

My Rome Driver takes you into the center with a private driver, pairing Palazzo Barberini with Trevi, the Quirinale and the museums nearby. Fixed price, door to door.

Check availability and get a quote

Reply within 30 minutes · Fixed price · Free cancellation up to 24h before

The masterpieces in the collection

The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica holds some of Rome's most famous works:

  • Raffaello — La Fornarina, the enigmatic female portrait.
  • Caravaggio — Judith Beheading Holofernes and Narcissus.
  • Hans Holbein the Younger — the Portrait of Henry VIII.
  • Works by Filippo Lippi, Tintoretto, Bronzino, Guido Reni and many more.

You'll find the curated list in our dedicated guide: what to see at Palazzo Barberini.

How much time you need

A full visit takes 1.5–2 hours. If you're short on time, focus on the Gran Salone (Pietro da Cortona's ceiling), the two staircases and the masterpiece rooms (Fornarina, Caravaggio, Holbein). It's a rich museum, yet rarely as crowded as those in the center.

Frequently asked questions

What is in Palazzo Barberini? Palazzo Barberini houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, with masterpieces by Raffaello (La Fornarina), Caravaggio, Holbein and others, plus the famous Pietro da Cortona ceiling and the staircases by Bernini and Borromini.

Who built Palazzo Barberini? It was built in the 17th century for the Barberini family (Pope Urbano VIII). Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini (the square staircase) and Francesco Borromini (the helical staircase) all worked on it.

What is the most famous masterpiece in Palazzo Barberini? Among the most celebrated are Raffaello's La Fornarina, the canvases by Caravaggio and the Gran Salone ceiling, the Triumph of Divine Providence by Pietro da Cortona.

How long does it take to visit Palazzo Barberini? About 1.5–2 hours for a full visit; less if you focus on the Gran Salone, the staircases and the main masterpiece rooms.

Is Palazzo Barberini near the Fontana di Trevi? Yes, it's a few minutes' walk from Piazza Barberini, the Fontana di Trevi and the Quirinale, in a very central location.

Read also

Book a driver for Palazzo Barberini

Fixed price · ZTL access · Door to door

Article #267 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026