The Palazzo Astalli is located on the corner of the Via di San Marco and the Via d’Aracoeli in the rione Campitelli in Rome. The third side of the building faces the Vicolo degli Astalli. The building is not open to visitors.
A brief history of the Palazzo Astalli in Rome
The Palazzo Astalli was built in the 16th century for the extremely wealthy and influential (several of its members were Cardinals) family of that name. Initially it only had one facade. A second facade, designed by Giovanni Antonio de Rossi, was completed in 1698, after the architect’s death.
In 1827, Laura Astalli, the last descendent of the family died. Her husband sunsequently sold the palace to the Reverenda Fabbrica di San Pietro. This “Factory of St. Peter” is a Catholic institution responsible for the conservation and maintenance of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The Via di San Marco was widened between 1930 and 1932. The orginal facade needed to be placed further back, which caused the current, almost triangular shape and the beveled corner. The Vicolo degli Astalli facade was almost halved and the one facing the Via d’Aracoeli lost one portal and two windows. The main hall, which was famous for its lavish feasts, did not survive the destruction.
What to see
The coat of arms of the Reverenda Fabbrica di San Pietro is visible on the corner of the Via d’Aracoeli and the Via di San Marco. The Roman numerals indicate the year the institution acquired the palace.
What to see elsewhere
The frescoes that used to adorn the main hall of the building have been moved to the Museo di Roma. They depict Biblical scenes, but set in Rome and the surrounding countryside. An “Annunciation”, formerly in the Palazzo Astalli, can be seen in the same museum.
Via di San Marco, 8 – Roma
Sources
- Palazzo Astalli on Roma Segreta (Italian).
- Photos are my own.