A palace that is already a masterpiece

At Palazzo Barberini, art is everywhere: in the canvases of the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, in the frescoed ceilings, even in the staircases. Here's what you can't afford to miss on your visit.

The Gran Salone and Pietro da Cortona's ceiling

The heart of the palace is the Gran Salone, crowned by the ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona: the Triumph of Divine Providence. One of the supreme masterpieces of Baroque painting, it's a whirlwind of figures, clouds, and light that seems to fling the ceiling open to the sky. Take your time and study it from below, unhurried.

Raphael's La Fornarina

The museum's most famous portrait: La Fornarina by Raphael, the enigmatic female figure traditionally identified as the painter's beloved. An intimate, flawless work, and one of the best-loved in Rome. We've devoted a separate guide to it: Raphael's La Fornarina.

The Caravaggios

Palazzo Barberini holds two works linked to Caravaggio:

  • Judith Beheading Holofernes — one of the artist's most intense, dramatic scenes.
  • Narcissus — the youth bent over the water, among the most poetic images of the seventeenth century.

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Holbein's Portrait of Henry VIII

Among the international masterpieces, the celebrated Portrait of Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger stands out: the most iconic image of the English king, powerful and unforgettable. It's worth a room all on its own.

The staircases by Bernini and Borromini

Don't miss the two monumental staircases, the work of two rival geniuses of the Baroque:

  • Bernini's square staircase, solemn and majestic.
  • Borromini's oval helical staircase, a jewel of geometry and lightness.

Climbing them (or simply admiring them) is part of the Palazzo Barberini experience.

How to plan your visit

Short on time? Follow this order of priority:

  1. Gran Salone (Pietro da Cortona's ceiling)
  2. Raphael's La Fornarina
  3. The Caravaggios (Judith, Narcissus)
  4. Holbein's Henry VIII
  5. The staircases by Bernini and Borromini

In 1.5–2 hours you'll take in the masterpieces at an easy pace.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous artwork at Palazzo Barberini? Among the most celebrated are Raphael's La Fornarina, the Caravaggios (Judith and Narcissus), and Pietro da Cortona's ceiling in the Gran Salone.

Are there any Caravaggio works at Palazzo Barberini? Yes: Judith Beheading Holofernes and Narcissus, two of the most intense and famous images associated with the artist.

What makes the staircases at Palazzo Barberini so special? They're the work of two Baroque rivals: Bernini's square staircase and Borromini's oval helical staircase, two opposing, brilliant visions of architecture.

Who painted the ceiling of the Gran Salone? Pietro da Cortona, with the Triumph of Divine Providence, one of the supreme masterpieces of Baroque painting.

How much time do I need to see the main works? About 1.5–2 hours lets you take in the Gran Salone, the staircases, and the masterpiece rooms without rushing.

See also

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Article #270 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026