Museo Barracco de Escultura Antigua (Barracco Museum of Antique Sculpture), Rome

Named after the lilies adorning its cornices, the miniature Piccola Farnesina palace, dating back to the 16th century, houses the Museo Barracco-a prestigious collection of ancient sculptures generously donated to the city by Baron Barracco in 1904. Within its walls, visitors can marvel at a remarkable assortment of artifacts, including captivating pieces from ancient Egypt. Among them are two sphinxes hailing from the reigns of Hatshepsut and Rameses II, a striking head of an Egyptian priest, and a bust depicting a youthful Rameses II.

The museum also showcases noteworthy relics from the Greek classical period. Notable highlights include a captivating and nearly intact figurine of Hercules, along with a breathtaking votive relief dedicated to Apollo. Additionally, a selection of Roman artifacts can be found, notably a diminutive first-century BC figure of Neptune and an intriguing column-sculpture portraying a vividly depicted hermaphrodite. Adding to the allure are two delightful busts portraying young Roman boys, dating back to the first century AD.