Quirinale Palace in Rome
Built in 1584 by Pope Gregory XIII, this palace is the greatest Baroque architect of the world. Designed by some famous architects such as Ottaviano Mascarino, Guido Reni and Gian Lorenzo, this palace has sustained over two centuries of continuous work to give it the present magnificent looks. One of the most important contributions in the construction of this palace was given by Domenico Fontana, who is called the real architect of this fine building.
A great fact about this palace is that few presidents have used the Italian Quirinale as a residence, while others have preferred to use it as an office without a night stay. There is an event called “Changing of the Guards” at the palace, which witnesses large sums of visitors and offers a luxury vista. The Quirinale Gardens along with the unique fountain body in the nearby vicinity are famous for their lavish scenery that allows enjoying a unique view of the whole capital. So this is the most important building of Italy from political as well as artistic point of view.
The inside of the palace is equally remarkable as outside. A large courtyard welcomes you with a clock tower that rises above the rest of the city. There are numerous other rooms inside the palace which are full of works of art such as tapestries, frescoes, paintings, statues, furniture and porcelain. An incredible collection of Murano glass carriages and chandeliers can also be discovered inside. Inside the all which is visible to everybody leaving the building, there is a painting based on a sacred theme, which remind guests of the papal blessing they have received while visiting the palace.
The palace beholds many other jewels such as a picturesque staircase and a small splendid church building. Its location at the top of Quirinal hill gives it a sumptuous look and enhances its image as a real alternative location to the Vatican.
Address:
Piazza del Quirinale
Zone: Rione Trevi (Quirinal-Tritone-Barberini)
Rome, Italy.
Phone: 0039 06 46 991
Fax: 0039 06 46993125
Timings:
The Palace is open to the public for the year 2011, every Sunday from 8.30 to 12.00, with the exception of some days which can be confirmed on the official website.
Changing of the Guards
– From October 1 to June 2: weekdays (from 03.15 pm) – Sundays and Holidays (4.00 pm)
– From June 3 to September 30: Daily from 06.00 pm
Quirinal Gardens are open on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Entrance Fee:
Normal Price: € 5
Guided tours: € 10
Free for children under 18 years of age and those over 65 years of age. The entry is free on last Sunday of every month. The entry is also free for the group of students accompanied by their teachers.
For further information visit the website: www.quirinale.it
John
You may have witnessed variety of palaces and other monuments in your lifetime. But the Quirinale Palace is the only one in itself. Be sure to rent apartments in Rome and avail this once in a lifetime opportunity.
