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Jan 22, 2023
The Princess Apartment
Among the members of the Colonna family was Giacomo, a law school friend of Francesco Petrarca. Francesco was regretting his choice of vocation. To the great benefit of civilization Giacomo recommended Francesco to his brother Cardinal Giovanni Colonna for a secure job with the church, giving Petrarca (Petrarch) the leisure to write and launch the Renaissance.
Courtyard, Palazzo Colonna
There was Oddone Colonna, better known as Pope Martin V. He is known for ending the Western Schism when there were two and even three bishops at a time claiming to be pope. This would have cemented any family’s reputation for a least a few hundred years but there were more feats in store. In 1571 Mercantonio II Colonna served as admiral in the battle of Lepanto, the epic naval victory that persuaded the Turks to cease nibbling away at Europe.
Rooftop Garden, Palazzo Colonna
It is fitting that the Colonna make their Roman home in a magnificent palazzo overflowing with art and featuring a rooftop garden larger than most at ground level. Construction of the residence began in the 1200s. It served as a family fortress during the Avignon papacy when Rome had been on the decline and was not very safe. When the papacy returned to Rome Pope Martin V used it as his headquarters while he cemented a plan to restore the Eternal City to new glory.
The Hall of the Battle Column, Colonna Gallery
The Palazzo Colonna is a paradise for art lovers and a work of art unto itself. It opens its doors to visitors on Saturdays. A ticket allows one to view the momentous art collection of the Galleria Colonna and explore the rooftop garden. If you are not on a guided tour, the garden is a rewarding place to begin your journey. From rooftop level you can ascend a terraced hill to the monumental fountain and waterfall designed by architect Girolamo Rainaldi. Along the way notice ancient statues, vases, and the mosaic at the top. From the uppermost terrace find the Altar of the Fatherland to get your bearings as you survey the panoramic views of the city in the morning light. You are now ready to see some art.
The Hall of the Battle Column is an appropriate starting point from the garden. The fresco on the ceiling depicts the war hero Mercantonio being presented to the Virgin Mary. A column rises in the middle of the room symbolizing the Colonna family whose name in Italian means “column”. As you descend six stairs to the Great Hall you’ll need to step over a cannon ball that was lodged into the third step in 1849. Engineers determined it was stable so the family decided to leave it where it landed. The Great Hall was designed to be the centerpiece of the gallery. It has all you could expect of a princely palace: marble floors and columns, painted mirrors, ancient statues, and chandeliers. Take your time, stroll its length a few times, and linger with pieces that call to you. Be sure to look up and down, and turn around to survey what you have passed.
The Great Hall, Colonna Gallery
There is still The Entrance Hall, The Blue Room, The Hall of the Landscapes, The Princess Apartment, and a pleasant courtyard to stroll, so I leave you to your journey. If you need more than a morning to immerse yourself in the palazzo’s majesty there is always next Saturday. The palace has been with us for 800 years and its rewards will dutifully await your return.
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To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!