Palazzo Spada

About

Palazzo Spada, nestled in Rome’s Regola district near Campo de’ Fiori, is a Renaissance gem renowned for its architectural illusion and Baroque art collection. Commissioned in 1540 by Cardinal Girolamo Capodiferro, the palace features lavish stucco work and a richly decorated façade. In 1632, Cardinal Bernardino Spada acquired the property and enlisted Francesco Borromini to redesign parts of the building, including the famed forced perspective gallery—a visual trick that makes an eight-metre corridor appear 37 metres long. Today, the palace houses the Galleria Spada, showcasing 16th- and 17th-century masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Rubens. The gallery’s intimate layout preserves the 17th-century hanging style, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Baroque collecting practices. Palazzo Spada also serves as the seat of Italy’s Council of State, blending civic function with cultural heritage. Its tranquil garden and illusionistic architecture make it one of Rome’s most intriguing hidden treasures.

Rome Italy

Location

Palazzo Spada is located at Piazza Capo di Ferro 13, in the heart of Rome's historic center. This 16th-century Mannerist palace, originally built for Cardinal Girolamo Capodiferro and later renovated by Cardinal Bernardino Spada, is renowned for its rich façade adorned with sculptures of illustrious Roman figures and its extraordinary architectural gem—a forced perspective gallery designed by Francesco Borromini, which creates the optical illusion of a much longer corridor. Today, the palace houses the Galleria Spada, displaying an exquisite collection of 16th and 17th-century Baroque paintings by artists such as Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Artemisia Gentileschi. Nearby attractions include the lively Campo de’ Fiori market square, just a three-minute walk away, the elegant Palazzo Farnese, and the picturesque Piazza Navona within a seven-minute stroll. The Pantheon is also accessible within ten minutes on foot. The location offers easy access by numerous bus and tram lines, placing visitors at the crossroads of Rome’s rich artistic, historic, and cultural tapestry.