Quirinal Palace & Gardens
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Quirinal Palace - by Sai Manohar on Google
Description
The Quirinal Palace is one the three current official residences of the President of the Italian Republic. Its track record in that respect is very extensive, having been the residence of 4 Kings, 12 Presidents, and 30 Popes. The palace was built at the end of the 16th century as a papal summer residence, away from Lateran and the Tiber River. Its facade was designed by Domenico Fontana and the highlights include the Courtyard of Honour, the Staircase of Honour, the Pauline Chapel and the Great Hall of the Cuirassiers (used as the throne room). The gardens spread over 4ha and include the Coffee House (a reception building) and a water organ built in 1997-99. Trivia: the other 2 official residences are Villa Rosebery in Naples and the Tenuta di Castelporziano (25km from Rome).
Access & Transport
Address: Piazza del Quirinale. This is on the eastern side of the modern centre, 250m from the Trevi Fountain and 500m from Piazza Venezia. Metro station "Barberini" (MEA) is 700m away and the "Nazionale/Quirinale" bus stop is 150m away. Termini train station is 1.4km to the east.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note that the guided tours are only conducted in Italian and spaces are very scarce. Bookings must be done at least 5 days in advance either online, by phone or at the Infopoint: https://palazzo.quirinale.it/visitapalazzo/prenota_en.html The price is €1.50 (booking fee) and there are 4 itineraries lasting 60 to 80mins.
Environmental & Social
No incremental use of electricity for the visits and allows citizens and foreign travellers to discover one of the country's historical and artistic treasures.
Conclusion
The Quirinal Palace is massive but a little underwhelming architecturally from the outside. The guided tour however will enable visitors to take in some lavishly decorated and furnished state rooms and halls. Culturally, the quality of the experience depends on one's understanding of Italian.
Key positive
A very high profile building for Italy
Some very impressive rooms and pleasant gardens
Tours are almost free
Key negative
Not enough spaces available for the tours
Tours in Italian only
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility but best to mention in advance. Note that the garden paths are pebbled.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
April 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 35m
Monday -
Tuesday09:30 - 16:00
Wednesday09:30 - 16:00
Thursday -
Friday09:30 - 16:00
Saturday09:30 - 16:00
Sunday09:30 - 16:00