The Palazzo Pamphilj is a historic building on the Piazza Navona in Rome. At the moment is the seat of the Brazilian Embassy in Italy. It is not to be confused with the Palazzo Doria Pamhpilj in the Via del Corso.
Palazzo Pamhpilj Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
The address of Palazzo Pamphilj is Piazza Navona, 14 – Rome. Rione: Parione. Telephone: +39 06683981. The building can be visited once every two weeks on Tuesdays at 3.30 pm. The tour is free of charge. Booking is required. (For information about events in the Sala Palestrina please call 0039 066867858).
History Palazzo Pamphilj Rome
Construction of the Palazzo Pamhilj was commissioned by Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, at that time better known as Pope Innocenzo X. It was his intention to unite a number of buildings already belonging to his family under one roof. Construction began in 1644 and the work finished in 1650.
The architect was Girolamo Rinaldi. While the palace was being rebuilt, the adjacent Sant’Agnese in Agone Church was constructed and the Piazza Navona was completely refurbished.
Pope Innocenzo was not very popular, among other things because he made the inhabitants of Rome pay an extra tax on bread to pay for his renovations. Both he and his vain and prodigal sister-in-law Donna Olimpia Maidalchini were a regular subject of mockery by one of the speaking statues of the city, located at the back of the building. The fact that Donna Olimpia was suspected of performing rather unpapal acts with the pope did not help.
From the 18th century onwards, the building had various different functions. In 1920 it came into the hands of the Brazilian State, which also bought it in 1960 and turned it into the seat of its embassy.
A recent restoration has restored the original pastel blue colour of the facade.
Works of art
The interior of the palace is enlivened by large numbers of frescoes painted by famous 17th century artists.
The Sala Palestrina has been used for festivities and concerts since 2002.
The hall of the building was designed by Borromini. The frescoes in this hall are by Pietro da Cortona and have events from the life of the mythological Trojan hero Aeneas as their theme.