Palazzo Spada: a columns-gallery with a different perspective
Palazzo Spada is an impressive building built in 1550 by Cardinal Capo di Ferro, later restored by Bernini and Borromini who created a unique full play of perspectives in a columns-gallery.
Palazzo Spada is an impressive building built in 1550 by Cardinal Capo di Ferro, later restored by Bernini and Borromini who created a unique full play of perspectives in a columns-gallery.
Looking at the facade with reliefs and entering the courtyard finely decorated with stucco you can relive all the past greatness of Rome. This impressive building was built in 1550 by Cardinal Capo di Ferro, later restored by Bernini and Borromini on behalf of Cardinal Bernardino Spada, who lived here in the 17th century.
A full play of perspectives brings you in the columns-gallery of Borromini, that looks four times larger than it is.
Over the centuries the cardinals gathered paintings, sculpture and precious furniture. The masterworks: Andrea del Sarto, The Visitation and Guercinos Death of Dido.
How to reach it from Hotel San Francesco
From Hotel San Francesco, you can take the tram n. 8 direction “Piazza Venezia” and get off at the 3rd stop “Arenula/Min. Giustizia”; from there Palazzo Spada is 5 minutes walking distance, in Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13.
Post edited by our receptionist Giuseppe
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The Rape of Proserpina - G. L. Bernini 1622
Only the genius of Bernini could make the hard marble look as soft as the human skin.
You will not believe your eyes once in front of this masterpiece...
The Rape of Proserpina is one of the most beautiful sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The work was committed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and completed in 1622 when Bernini was only 23 years old.
Since 1908, the masterpiece can be admired at the Borghese Gallery of Rome thanks to the Italian State who purchased it and returned to the original place from the Villa of Cardinal Ludovisi.
Only the genius of Bernini could make the hard marble look as soft as the human skin
The Rape of Proserpina - Gian Lorenzo Bernini 1622
Useful information
To book tickets: tel. +39 06 32810
Guided tours booking: fax +39 06 8555952
To visit Galleria Borghese, the ticket reservation is needed
Tickets can be reserved on-line using the site www.tosc.it
Free tickets for Roma Pass holders and the tour guides are only bookable through the Reservation Center (Tel: +39 06 32810 - Mon-Fri 9:00 to 18:00, Sat 9:00 to 13:00, closed Sun and holidays, 24 and 31 December 9:00 am to 13:00 pm)
A Bernini's masterpiece just around the corner
The Church of San Francesco a Ripa, just beside the Hotel San Francesco, contains one of the most beautiful sculpture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini: The Ecstasy of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni - 1674...
Ecstasy of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni - Gian Lorenzo Bernini 1674
The Ecstacy of Beata Ludovica Albertoni
The Church of San Francesco a Ripa, just beside the Hotel San Francesco, contains one of the most beautiful sculpture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini: The Ecstasy of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni - 1674
The entrance is free, as for all churches of Rome, and the statue is located in the last chapel of the left side, The Altieri Chapel.
Blessed Ludovica Albertoni was a noblewoman who dedicated her life assisting poor of Trastevere after the died of her husband.
How to reach it from the hotel
Once out of the hotel walk right until the square and you will find the church on the right side