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Palazzo Colonna: Rome's Princely Palace with Livia Galante

Palazzo Colonna: Rome's Princely Palace with Livia Galante


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In the heart of Rome lies a palace unlike many other, a private, sprawling collection of separate homes, that beginning in the Fifteenth Century, and continuing over generations, thickened and spread to build one entity: the Palazzo Colonna, which the illustrious Colonna family would call home for more than eight centuries (and that they still do today!).

The Palazzo, built on the slopes of the Quirinal hill, upon the foundations of the ancient Temple of Serapis, is surrounded by a wonderful garden, designed on terraces, scattered with Roman ruins that, at the apex, offer a glorious view onto the skyline of the Eternal city. Throughout the Seventeenth Century, the Palace took the form of a large Baroque estate with the construction of the beautiful and majestic Gallery, equal in marvel to the great halls of Versailles. Two-hundred and fifty feet long, with marble floors, frescoed walls & ceilings, gold details, it was even immortalized in the 1950s classic, Roman Holiday. The Gallery and its adjacent rooms are filled with beautiful works from artists such as Pinturicchio, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni, to quote just a few…. 

At the ground floor of the Palazzo lies an apartment formerly used by Princess Isabelle exactly as it was when she was still alive, with splendid furniture, family pictures, fresh flowers and working table clocks. In this residence, where Princess Isabelle once received Queen Elizabeth II, the walls are lined with priceless works by Jay Brueghel and Vanvitelli. 

Led by an expert on history and art conservation, Livia Galante, this Conversation will focus on the extraordinary Palazzo Colonna. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased comprehension of the history of one of the oldest aristocratic families of Rome as well as exploring one of the most sumptuous aristocratic residences in the world. 

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

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