Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi Hotel
The Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi is a historic residence on the Quirinal Hill in Rome, part of the storied Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi complex built in the early 17th century. Originally developed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese for the Borghese family around 1611–1616 to designs by Giovanni Vasanzio and Carlo Maderno, the estate later passed to the Pallavicini and Rospigliosi families. Today a portion of the complex operates as a heritage hotel, allowing guests to stay within one of Rome’s finest aristocratic palaces.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic palace hotel
- Period
- Built 1611–1616; heritage hotel use, modern era
- Style
- Roman Baroque
- Location
- Quirinal Hill, Rome, Lazio, Italy
- Coordinates
- 41.8973° N, 12.4976° E
Overview
The Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi complex stands on the Quirinal Hill, on a site that once sheltered the ruins of the ancient Baths of Constantine. The palace garden and casino — most notably the Casino dell’Aurora — are celebrated examples of early Baroque Roman patrician architecture. The Antico Palazzo Rospigliosi hotel occupies part of this noble estate, offering guests a rare immersion in Rome’s aristocratic heritage.
History
Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and a passionate art collector, commissioned the palace around 1610–1616 with the ambition of being housed close to the Palazzo Quirinale. Giovanni Vasanzio and Carlo Maderno led the design, creating a distinctive casino and pergolato overlooking the garden of Montecavallo. The estate passed through several noble hands — including the Pallavicini and Rospigliosi families — accumulating its current name. The complex remains partly in private aristocratic ownership today, with sections open to visitors and guests.
What you see
The Casino dell’Aurora is the jewel of the estate, housing Guido Reni’s celebrated ceiling fresco Aurora (c. 1614), one of the finest examples of early Baroque painting in Rome. The palace gardens preserve formal Italian geometry with terraced levels overlooking the city. The hotel rooms and suites are furnished in keeping with the historic character of the building, incorporating original architectural details.
Cultural significance
The Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi complex is listed among Rome’s most important Baroque aristocratic residences and has hosted significant cultural and religious events over the centuries. The Casino dell’Aurora, open to the public on a limited basis, preserves one of Rome’s most acclaimed Baroque ceiling paintings.
Practical information
- Address
- Via XXIV Maggio 43, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
- Hours
- Check official website for hotel check-in and casino visiting hours
- Admission
- Hotel guests; Casino dell’Aurora open first day of each month — check official website
Getting there
The palazzo is on the Quirinal Hill, a short walk from Piazza Venezia and the Via Nazionale. The nearest Metro station is Repubblica on Line A (approx. 10 minutes on foot). Several bus lines serve Via Nazionale and Via del Tritone. Taxis and ride-sharing services drop off at Via XXIV Maggio.