Palazzo Barberini (Barberini Palace): Princess Ann's Embassy, Rome

The historic Barberini Palace is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, one of Italy鈥檚 most significant art museums. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, primarily from before 1800.

The palace was designed in the 17th century as a grand residence for Pope Urban VIII, a member of the Barberini family. The project was led by the renowned architect Carlo Maderno and continued by Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini after Maderno's death in 1629. Following Pope Urban VIII鈥檚 death in 1644, the property was confiscated but returned to the Barberini family in 1653.

The palace is a prime example of Baroque architecture. One of its highlights is the "Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power", a spectacular ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona, which dazzles visitors with its theatrical, dynamic style.

In 1949, the Italian state acquired Barberini Palace to accommodate the National Gallery. Its collection comprises some truly remarkable masterpieces like Caravaggio's "Judith Beheading Holofernes", Raphael's "Fornarina", and Fra鈥� Filippo Lippi鈥檚 "Madonna and Child". The museum also displays furniture, majolica, and porcelain, offering visitors an immersive journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

Barberini Palace also made an appearance in the "Roman Holiday" movie as Ann's Embassy during her stay in Rome. Note its wonderfully ornate gate, featured in the film, welcoming Princess Ann's delegation, as well as in the scenes of her escape from the palace. However, either due to availability issues or for aesthetic reasons, the interior of Barberini Palace was not featured in the film; instead, the interior shots were made inside Brancaccio Palace.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: 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 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Palazzo Barberini (Barberini Palace): Princess Ann's Embassy
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

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.

Trastevere Walking Tour

Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world鈥檚 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

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome Walking Tour

Rome has long played host to pilgrims鈥攁fter 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

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 鈥淩ome鈥� 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

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

View all walking tours in Rome, Italy

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy

For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 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

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...

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...