Bernini and the Barberini
A landmark exhibition at Palazzo Barberini reuniting masterworks by Gian Lorenzo Bernini with treasures from the Barberini family's storied 17th-century collection — sculpture, painting and decorative arts that defined Roman Baroque. Tickets sell quickly during the run.
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Palazzo Barberini is a 17th-century Baroque palace in central Rome housing the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica's collection of Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini works. Beyond its art, the palace features a rare architectural element: a grand spiral staircase designed by Francesco Borromini that creates a dynamic spatial visit. Another lesser-known fact is that the palace was originally commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, a member of the Barberini family, whose emblem—the three bees—can be found throughout the building's decoration. This article guides you through the key highlights and practical tips for visiting this art-filled Roman landmark.
Palazzo Barberini & nearby in Rome
Walking distances from Palazzo Barberini. Baroque palace housing Caravaggio's Judith — a 7-min walk from Trevi Fountain
Visiting the Galleria Nazionale at Palazzo Barberini means dealing with crowds, especially in summer. The advantage is that the collection is well spread out, so you can focus on fewer rooms without feeling rushed. Avoid weekends if you can, as it gets busy quickly. The gardens nearby provide a good spot to rest, and many routes to the palace cross the nearby fountains and squares.
What Makes Palazzo Barberini Worth Visiting?
Palazzo Barberini houses Caravaggio's 'Judith Beheading Holofernes,' Raphael’s 'La Fornarina,' and Pietro da Cortona's ceiling fresco 'The Triumph of Divine Providence,' showcasing masterpieces of chiaroscuro, Renaissance portraiture, and Baroque illusionism.
First, the palace houses Caravaggio's dramatic 'Judith Beheading Holofernes' (c. 1598–1599), a masterpiece of chiaroscuro measuring 145 x 195 cm. Second, Raphael’s 'La Fornarina' (c. 1518–1519), a portrait of his muse, is displayed here, offering insight into Renaissance portraiture. Third, the ceiling fresco 'The Triumph of Divine Providence' by Pietro da Cortona (1633–1639) covers the main salon's vault, spanning 600 square meters and exemplifying Baroque illusionism.
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How Do You Get To Palazzo Barberini?
The closest metro station is Barberini (Line A), a 5-minute walk from the palace entrance, and bus lines 52 and 62 stop nearby on Via delle Quattro Fontane.
The closest metro station is Barberini (Line A), a 5-minute walk from the palace entrance. Alternatively, bus lines 52 and 62 stop nearby on Via delle Quattro Fontane. For a combined itinerary, start at Trevi Fountain (600m south), then walk north to Palazzo Barberini, and continue to the Spanish Steps (700m west) for a half-day of well-known Roman sights.
Practical visitor information
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday 8:30am–7:00pm; closed Mondays |
|---|---|
| Tickets | €12 standard; €6 EU citizens 18-25; free under 18 and first Sunday of the month |
| Dress code | No dress code |
| Photography | Photography allowed without flash; tripods prohibited |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings from 8:30am to 10:30am to avoid crowds |
| How long to allow | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Barberini
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More to see near Palazzo Barberini
A half-morning walk from Palazzo Barberini takes you south 600 meters to the Trevi Fountain, where you can admire the famous Baroque water sculpture. From there, head 700 meters west to the Spanish Steps for a lively Roman atmosphere. A further 1.2 kilometers west is the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple with a vast dome. For a longer itinerary, continue 1.5 kilometers southeast to the Colosseum, Rome’s well-known amphitheater. Termini Station is 1.1 kilometers northeast, convenient for onward travel.
