Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica a Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini), Rome

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica a Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini), Rome

The Palazzo Barberini, one of Rome's most magnificent buildings from the 17th century, stands as an iconic example of Roman Baroque architecture. Its impressive facade was initially designed by Carlo Maderno, with assistance from his nephew Francesco Borromini. However, after Maderno's passing, Borromini was overlooked in favor of his rival, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Presently, the palazzo houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art ("Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica") and boasts a remarkable collection. Among its treasures is Raphael's radiant portrait of his lover, La Fornarina, who was said to be a baker's daughter residing in the Trastevere district. Another noteworthy piece is Guido Reni's portrait of the ill-fated Beatrice Cenci, who was executed in Rome for patricide in 1599. In his novel "The Marble Faun," set in Rome, Nathaniel Hawthorne described this painting as "the saddest picture ever painted." Additionally, Caravaggio's gripping depiction of Judith Beheading Holofernes can be admired within the collection.

The true centerpiece of the palazzo is the Gran Salone, an expansive ballroom adorned with an illusionistic ceiling fresco from 1630 by the often overlooked master of Roman Baroque art, Pietro da Cortona. The ceiling depicts the Glorification of Urban VIII's Reign and presents a striking concept that exalts Urban VIII as the instrument of Divine Providence. Accompanying him are a squadron of colossal Barberini bees, the heraldic symbol of the Barberini family, described by art historian Sir Michael Levey as a "bomber squadron."

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica a Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini) on Map

Sight Name: Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica a Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill Walking Tour

Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour

The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of...  view more

Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles

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