Rome's First Renaissance Palace

Between Campo de' Fiori and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II stands an architectural masterpiece: the Palazzo della Cancelleria / Chancellery Palace, regarded as Rome's first great Renaissance palace. Built in the late 15th century for Cardinal Raffaele Riario, it captivates with its elegant travertine façade and its stunning arcaded courtyard, one of the most harmonious in the city. Today it is an extraterritorial property of the Santa Sede / Holy See (home to Vatican offices and tribunals), yet some spaces remain open to visitors, including during exhibitions.

A Renaissance Jewel

Built between 1489 and 1513, the palace marks the arrival in Rome of the new Renaissance language, with its harmonious proportions and the elegant rhythm of its windows and courtyard. It incorporates the ancient Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso, one of Rome's oldest churches. Its construction is tied to the figure of Cardinal Riario, and tradition holds that it was funded in part by a spectacular run of gambling winnings.

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What to See

  • The elegant arcaded Renaissance courtyard.
  • The Hall of the Hundred Days, frescoed by Giorgio Vasari.
  • The travertine façade on Piazza della Cancelleria.
  • The Basilica di San Lorenzo in Damaso, absorbed into the palace.

We go deeper in our guides to what to see at the Palazzo della Cancelleria, Vasari's Hall of the Hundred Days and the history of the palace and Cardinal Riario.

Visiting and Getting There

As Vatican property, access is partly restricted: certain spaces (the courtyard and rooms used for temporary exhibitions) are generally open (hours and conditions are indicative, so check the official website or current exhibitions). To reach it, see how to get to the Palazzo della Cancelleria. It's just steps from Campo de' Fiori.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palazzo della Cancelleria? Rome's first great Renaissance palace, built in the late 15th century for Cardinal Raffaele Riario, between Campo de' Fiori and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Today it is property of the Santa Sede / Holy See.

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

Can you visit it? It is an extraterritorial property of the Santa Sede / Holy See: access is partly restricted, but some spaces (the courtyard, temporary exhibitions) are generally open. Check current conditions before you go.

Why does it matter? Because it is considered Rome's first fully Renaissance palace, a masterpiece of harmony and proportion, and it marks the arrival of the Renaissance in Roman architecture.

Where is it located? On Piazza della Cancelleria, between Campo de' Fiori and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, in the heart of the historic center.

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Article #613 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026