Palazzo Altemps is a Renaissance palace museum in Rome housing one of the city’s finest collections of classical sculptures. The building itself dates to the 15th century and features an unusual late Renaissance courtyard with an elegant loggia that was once part of a private noble residence. A lesser-known fact is that the palace was once owned by the Altemps family, who were connected to the papacy through Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps. This museum offers a rare chance to see Roman copies alongside Greek originals in an intimate setting. The following sections detail what makes this museum a must-visit and how to fit it into your Roman itinerary.
Renaissance palace with classical sculptures — 5-minute walk from the Pantheon
Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 46, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
What makes Palazzo Altemps worth visiting?
First, the collection includes the Ludovisi Gaul, a dramatic 2nd-century BCE marble group depicting a Gaul warrior and his wife in their final moments. Second, the palace’s architecture features a rare 16th-century courtyard loggia with frescoes by Antonio Tempesta. Third, visitors can admire the exquisite Roman portrait busts, including a finely detailed bust of Emperor Hadrian, showcasing Roman imperial portraiture at its peak.
How do you get to Palazzo Altemps?
The closest metro station is Line A’s Spagna, about a 15-minute walk (1.2 km). Alternatively, bus lines 70 and 81 stop near Piazza Navona, just 200m from the museum. A convenient itinerary combines Palazzo Altemps with a short walk to Piazza Navona (200m), then onward to the Pantheon (400m) and Castel Sant’Angelo (600m), making for a compact half-day of sightseeing.
Practical visitor information
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00am to 7:00pm; closed Mondays |
|---|---|
| Tickets | €12 standard; €6 reduced (EU citizens 18-25); free under 18 and EU residents over 65 |
| Dress code | No dress code |
| Photography | Non-flash photography allowed; tripods prohibited; no additional fees |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings from 9:00am to 11:00am to avoid crowds |
| How long to allow | 1.5 to 2 hours |
“For a quieter experience, enter through the side door on Via di Sant’Apollinare and head straight to the Ludovisi Gaul before the main rooms fill up.”
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Altemps
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More to see near Palazzo Altemps
Within a short walk, you can visit Piazza Navona (200m) with its Baroque fountains, then the Pantheon (400m), one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient temples. Castel Sant’Angelo (600m) offers panoramic city views and historical exhibits. For art lovers, Galleria Doria Pamphilj (800m) features private Renaissance collections. A half-morning walk could start at Palazzo Altemps, continue to Piazza Navona, and end at the Pantheon, maximizing your time in Rome’s historic centre.
