Piazza del Quirinale, Rome

Located on the highest of the seven hills, Piazza del Quirinale is one of Rome’s most important places. Three sides of the piazza are lined with government buildings which, in the spirit of Italy, are all magnificent palaces. The remaining side of the piazza is open and offers a grand panoramic view of the Eternal city.

The square is dominated by Palazzo Quirinale, the most famous of the palaces. It has housed thirty Popes, four Kings of Italy and continues to serve as home to the presidents of the Italian Republic today. The history of the palace began in the 16th century when Pope Gregorio XIII Boncompagni kindly asked Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, owner of a magnificent villa on the site of the future palace, to free the space for the construction of his summer residence. From that moment on, the construction of the palace was carried out by some of the greatest architects of the late Renaissance and Baroque period: starting with Martino Longhi il Vecchio all the way to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The result of such immense collective genius is a palace that is elegant and authoritative in its simplicity, which hides countless artistic wonders within its walls, a palace not to miss.

In the centre of the square, you can see a rock-garden called Fontana dei Dioscuri, its parts dating back to the Imperial age, taken from the baths of Constantine the Great. The artistic effect of the fountain is enhanced by an obelisk from the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Opening and Closing Hours

Piazza del Quirinale: All Year

Palazzo Quirinale: Open on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month

Places to Stay:

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