Palazzo Barberini (Barberini Palace): Princess Ann's Embassy, Rome

The historic Barberini Palace is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, one of Italy’s most significant art museums. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, primarily from before 1800.

The palace was designed in the 17th century as a grand residence for Pope Urban VIII, a member of the Barberini family. The project was led by the renowned architect Carlo Maderno and continued by Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini after Maderno's death in 1629. Following Pope Urban VIII’s death in 1644, the property was confiscated but returned to the Barberini family in 1653.

The palace is a prime example of Baroque architecture. One of its highlights is the "Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power", a spectacular ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona, which dazzles visitors with its theatrical, dynamic style.

In 1949, the Italian state acquired Barberini Palace to accommodate the National Gallery. Its collection comprises some truly remarkable masterpieces like Caravaggio's "Judith Beheading Holofernes", Raphael's "Fornarina", and Fra’ Filippo Lippi’s "Madonna and Child". The museum also displays furniture, majolica, and porcelain, offering visitors an immersive journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

Barberini Palace also made an appearance in the "Roman Holiday" movie as Ann's Embassy during her stay in Rome. Note its wonderfully ornate gate, featured in the film, welcoming Princess Ann's delegation, as well as in the scenes of her escape from the palace. However, either due to availability issues or for aesthetic reasons, the interior of Barberini Palace was not featured in the film; instead, the interior shots were made inside Brancaccio Palace.