The Palazzo Chigi is a historic building in Viterbo, characterized by a beautiful courtyard and by the frescoes created by students of the Zuccari brothers.
Palazzo Chigi Viterbo
History and description
The Palazzo Chigi is located in Via Chigi, a side street of the Via San Lorenzo. The building was constructed in the second half of the 15th century, commissioned by Carlo d’Antonio Caetani, a wealthy merchant originally from Pisa.
In the early 16th century, when the Chigi family bought the palace, it acquired its current name.
It is an imposing and massive building, an impression reinforced by its huge tower.
The coat of arms on the facade is that of the Chigi-della Rovere family.
The courtyard is framed by a portico with a loggia. Below this portico is an aedicula with a “Madonna and Child” painted by Antonio del Massaro, aka il Pastura.
Through a door in this courtyard one enters the Giardino Chigi, with a fountain that is again decorated with the coat of arms of the family.
What to see
The loggia on the top floor is decorated with frescoes.
The reception room has a beautiful fireplace.
There is a portrait of Pope Alexander VII, himself a member of the Chigi family.
There are frescoes by students from the school of the brothers Taddeo and Federico Zuccari. These show events from the life of St. Paul.