Palazzo Spada

Palazzo Spada

Located within the Palazzo Spada, an outstanding masterpiece from the 17th-century architectural competition among Rome’s wealthy elite, this small gallery situated on the garden side of the palace is worth a visit.

Palazzo Spada is a palace situated in the historic center of Rome, very close to Palazzo Farnese. It has a refined garden facing the Tiber River. The palace houses a vast art collection that forms the Galleria Spada. The collection was originally assembled by Cardinal Bernardino Spada in the 17th century, and later expanded by his brother Virgilio Spada (1596–1662) and great-nephew, Cardinal Fabrizio Spada (1643–1717). The palace was purchased by the Italian state in 1927.

The most magical feature of Palazzo Spada is Borromini’s famous corridor — a passage leading to a life-sized statue, flanked by columns on both sides. The corridor appears to be 25 meters long but is actually only 10 meters, creating the illusion of a fantastical time tunnel. The statue at the end was added later and is only half life-sized. The columns on either side appear to get smaller with distance, but in reality, they are actually getting shorter.

Palazzo Spada

Must-see reason: The most magical corridor in Rome

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]