Doria Pamphilj Gallery Private Tour
With a private, top-rated guide explore the Doria Pamphilj Gallery—an opulent palace and family home housing a magnificent art collection. Walk through its ballrooms, reception chambers, and private sitting rooms, and enter the exclusive, rarefied world of the Italian elite.
The Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, with its fantastic art collection – including paintings and sculptures by an impressive array of artists such as Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Velazquez, and Raphael – is still privately owned by the aristocratic Doria Pamphilj family.
Glide down the gilded and frescoed galleries that display its collection of over 600 pieces of world-renowned art. Learn all about the family’s past and present, and their most illustrious ancestor, Pope Innocent X, whose famous portrait by Velaszquez hangs in pride of place.
- Explore the privately owned Doria Pamphilj palace and famous art collection
- Admire stunning artworks by Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael
- Wander through the family ballrooms, reception halls, and private chambers
- Learn about Pope Innocent X in front of his eminent portrait by Velazquez
- Walk down opulent galleries gleaming with golden chandeliers and frescoes
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The Galleria is a magnificent Renaissance palace and still belongs to the aristocratic Doria Pamphilj family. Walk in the footsteps of the Italian aristocracy and some of Europe’s most illustrious historic figures. Past occupants include Cardinal Giovanni Battista Pamphilj, who became Pope Innocent X.
The family’s private art collection is displayed throughout the palace in opulent golden halls and galleries, lit with glittering crystal chandeliers. Your expert guide will walk you through stately reception halls, magnificent frescoed ballrooms, and intimate silk-clad drawing rooms. Learn the family’s colorful history, without the crowds you find in the Vatican.
The family’s Pope, Innocent X, reigned from 1644-1655 famously preferred the architect Francesco Borromini and shunned Bernini. However, that didn’t stop him from wanting his marble portrait sculpted by Bernini – especially as the Sun King of France had one. Alongside the marble bust of the pope, is the painting by Velazquez. Considered one of the most accomplished portraits of all time, it captures the pope’s shrewd gaze and austere character. Close by is Algardi’s marble bust of the pope’s domineering sister-in-law, Olimpia Maidalchini, with a billowing veil framing her stern face.
The Palazzo houses a collection of over six hundred pieces of art by a pantheon of maestros from the Italian Renaissance, the Spanish Golden Age, Flemish masters, and French Romantics. Among the works on display include two paintings by Caravaggio, the hellraiser of Baroque Rome. His technique of light and dark, chiaroscuro would be emulated for centuries to come. It is impossible not to feel moved as you stand in front of the Penitent Magdalene and Rest on the Flight to Egypt. Close by you’ll see Reni’s ‘Fighting Putti’, Raphael’s ‘Double Portrait’ and Vasari’s ‘Deposition from the Cross’… and so many more. There is simply no wall space left to fit another priceless masterpiece!
Away from the crowds of the Vatican, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy these treasures in the intimate setting of the palazzo’s golden galleries adorned with glittering chandeliers. Reminiscent of the grandeur of Versailles, you will feel transported to a bygone era of aristocratic elegance, vast wealth, and artistic excellence.
The tour ends in the inner courtyard of the Palazzo, which has a lovely cafe and an excellent bookshop for postcards and souvenirs.
- Private tour guide
- Tickets
- Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, Velazquez, Titian
- Algardi’s Portrait of Olimpia
- Bernini’s Innocent X portrait
- Reni’s putti Fighting
- Raphael’s double portrait
- Velazquez’s portrait of Innocent X
- Frescoes, Tapestries and Ceilings
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When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience, you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people*. Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable. *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.
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