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."