Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace): Ann meets the Press, Rome

Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace): Ann meets the Press, Rome

The Colonna Palace is a vast palatial complex and one of the grandest private residences in Rome. It has been in the possession of the Colonna family for over twenty generations. The palace's origins date back to the 13th century, and it is said to have hosted Dante during his time in Rome. Historically, the palace was first recorded as the residence of Cardinals Giovanni and Giacomo Colonna and later housed Cardinal Oddone Colonna, who became Pope Martin V in 1417.

Despite the 1527 Sack of Rome, the property remained unharmed and underwent significant renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. A small bridge over Via della Pilotta connects the palace to its gardens. While still serving as a private residence for members of the Colonna family, it is open to the public on Saturday mornings or by guided tours on Friday mornings.

The Colonna Gallery, completed in 1703, is the palace's most opulent feature. Its ceiling fresco, depicting the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, commemorates the victory of Marcantonio II of Colonna. The gallery boasts an extraordinary collection of works by renowned artists such as Poussin, Tintoretto, Veronese, and many others. Among its many treasures is Annibale Carracci’s "The Beaneater", which captures a strikingly naturalistic image of a common man mid-meal. At one end of the gallery stands a red marble column, representing the Colonna family’s emblem.

The Colonna Palace has also made its mark in popular culture. The final scene of the 1953 film Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, was shot in the Sala Grande, where Princess Ann delivers her farewell speech. The poignant closing scene shows Gregory Peck walking through the grand hall, his solitary figure echoing against the towering walls adorned with multiple levels of paintings.

Visitors can explore the palace through guided tours in English, included in the entrance fee, making it easier to appreciate the extensive collection of artwork featuring madonnas, saints, popes, and cardinals. To round off the experience, the gallery café with a terrace provides a charming spot to relax and admire the breathtaking surroundings.

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.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace): Ann meets the Press on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace): Ann meets the Press
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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.
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
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 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
Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour

Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour

Rome has long played host to pilgrims—after all, it's home to the Pope, the Catholic Curia, and a treasure trove of relics linked to apostles, saints, and martyrs. Back in the day, the Via Francigena provided a straight shot for the faithful traveling from England to Rome. Upon arrival, it was tradition to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. When a Jubilee rolled around, the spiritual...  view more

Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 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
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.

The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome’s best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome

Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome

Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...