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

The story of Palazzo Corsini is intertwined with the rich history of Rome. Originally constructed for Cardinal Domenico Riario between 1510 and 1512, it has welcomed a host of distinguished guests throughout the years, including Bramante, a young Michelangelo, Erasmus, and Queen Christina of Sweden, who passed away within its walls in 1689. Later, the palazzo underwent a complete reconstruction under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga in 1736, commissioned by Cardinal Neri Corsini. Due to the narrowness of Via della Lungara, Fuga ingeniously designed the facade to be best appreciated from an angled perspective.

Exemplifying the brooding elegance of the Baroque style, Palazzo Corsini now houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, also known as Galleria Corsini. This remarkable but manageably-sized collection encompasses works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Murillo, Caravaggio, and Guido Reni, alongside Italian regional art from the 17th and 18th centuries. Among notable masterpieces are Rubens's "St. Sebastian Healed by Angels" and Caravaggio's "St. John the Baptist."

Even if just for a brief visit, it is worth stopping by to ascend the magnificent 17th-century stone staircase, which itself presents a captivating interplay of architectural shadows and sculptural voids. Behind the palazzo, but separate from it, lies the Orto Botanico, the University of Rome's botanical garden. Here, one can explore a vast array of 3,500 plant species, complemented by various greenhouses arranged around a staircase/fountain adorned with 11 jets, creating a serene and enchanting setting.