Things to do

Palazzo Montecitorio

Piazza di Monte Citorio, 12, 00186 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (3 ratings)

Details

Palazzo Montecitorio stands as an imposing 17th-century palace in the heart of Rome, famously serving as the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Italian Parliament. Originally commissioned by Pope Innocent X and designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, with later modifications and completion by Carlo Fontana, its distinctive Baroque façade with elegant curves gives it a unique character amongst Roman palaces. This grand edifice, with its appealing orange-peach hue, symbolises Italian democracy and architectural splendour, setting a significant tone for the Piazza di Monte Citorio it dominates.

Before the palace, visitors can admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Montecitorio, which historically formed part of Augustus's giant solar clock, creating a striking blend of antiquity and modern political life. Inside, the debating chamber boasts remarkable Art Nouveau decorations, including a vibrant canopy of coloured glass and an allegorical frieze by Giulio Aristide Sartorio, which depicts the history of the Italian people. The palace occasionally opens its doors to the public, typically once a month from October to June for "Open Door Days", offering a chance to explore iconic spaces like the Plenary Hall, the Hall of the She-Wolf, and the renowned "Transatlantico" corridor.

This majestic landmark particularly appeals to those with a keen interest in Italian history, politics, and architectural evolution. It offers a profound glimpse into Italy's democratic institutions and rich cultural heritage. Visits to Palazzo Montecitorio are ideal for educational excursions or as a key component of a comprehensive tour of Rome's most historically significant sites, providing a fascinating insight into the nation's governance and artistic legacy.

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https://www.info.roma.it/monumenti_dettaglio.asp?ID_schede=653

Comments

Carlos Cordova
7 Apr 2026
5.0 ★
Good place to stay and centrally located
Roberto Cecchini
27 Aug 2024
5.0 ★
The square in front of Palazzo Montecitorio is a splendor in itself, rich in history and symbolism linked to its evolution over time. Few notice that it is completed by the rear of Palazzo Wedekind (the beautiful colonnaded building in front of Palazzo Chigi) and the eighteenth-century, highly baroque Palazzo Del Cinque, built where—or so it seems—the houses of the Quintili family once stood. The portal is located at number 52, near Via della Colonna Antonina, and is decorated with shells and branches. Above it is a balcony whose French window features a faded coat of arms, which a recent restoration has nevertheless restored to its former splendor (a well-known American coffee shop chain sits below, obviously attracting a lot of traffic). The building is decorated with niches depicting figures seemingly carrying clubs, and these are different characters, not the same individual. It's worth remembering that the Marquises Del Cinque were so called because they declared themselves heirs and therefore successors to their name, the Quintili. They were an ancient 15th-century family who owned an older palazzo in Trastevere, in the alley that took their name. This palazzo, on the corner facing the obelisk, is also worth a look. Need some useful info? Leave a like and check out other reviews of Rome.

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