Palazzo Chigi Ariccia
A magnificent Baroque palace showcasing the wealth and artistic patronage of the Chigi family, designed in part by Bernini.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Palazzo Chigi Ariccia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Baroque palace showcasing the wealth and artistic patronage of the Chigi family, designed in part by Bernini.
"Well worth a visit, we spent about two hours wandering through the three floors of the palace and enjoyed the experience."
Book Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep historical insights and understanding the art.
Check Afternoon Closures
The palace closes for a break each afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bernini's Architectural Genius
Exterior and Piazza di Corte
Marvel at the Baroque grandeur designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, showcasing a unified architectural complex.
Cardinal's Chambers
Interior Rooms
Explore the private and representative spaces of influential cardinals, adorned with original furnishings.
Art Collection
Interior Rooms
Discover a rich collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by Italian masters and Dutch portraitist Jacob Voet.
Summer Dining Room
Interior Rooms
Admire the precious decorations and frescoes in the Summer Dining Room, a testament to the palace's opulent past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Guided Tour Recommended
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep historical insights and understanding the art.
Check Afternoon Closures
The palace closes for a break each afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple floors of historical rooms. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Art Details
Pay attention to the diverse art, including Dutch masters like Jacob Voet.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deep historical insights and understanding the art.
Check Afternoon Closures
The palace closes for a break each afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple floors of historical rooms. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Art Details
Pay attention to the diverse art, including Dutch masters like Jacob Voet.
Consider Local Events
The palace hosts events, which can be a highlight or add to crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Palazzo Chigi Ariccia for its beautiful and tasteful rooms, rich art collections, and historical significance, particularly its Baroque architecture influenced by Bernini. The guided tours are frequently highlighted as excellent and informative. However, some find the palace less grand than expected, note the inaccessibility of the gardens, and mention potential disruptions from events.
"The Chigi family traces their origins back to the 13thC, and became massively rich, banking in the Renaissance.
This palace reflects that wealth with a series of beautiful and tasteful rooms, expensively decorated but never over the top.
The wealth is also displayed in a series of Renaissance and Baroque art from family collections. Links to other wealthy Italian families are in display, including the Borghese.
Well worth a visit, we spent about two hours wandering through the three floors of the palace and enjoyed the experience.
Many beautiful paintings, not just by Italian painters but also by a Dutch portrait master, Jacob Voet.
It closes for a while each afternoon, so time your arrival."
Patrick Conlan
"Only the first two floors took us almost 2 hours, and we only eneltered the 3rd floor when we realized we will need few more hours, so we must get back here in the future. The exhibations are amazing.
It would be nice if there would have
been an English guided tour or audio.
The staff was helpfull and welcoming.
If you are not sure between the pope palace to this one - select this one. Far more interesting and loaded with art and history."
ענת פלד
"Not really worth visiting as little items of value and very badly kept palace that once must have been grand. The gardens are not accessible thus making it less memorable. Local weddings on a Saturday noon time add to the lack of enjoyment of the place especially when paying a ticket to enter. There is an exhibition of art from the baroque period that is not of much value."
Reuben Antonio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Palazzo Chigi Ariccia from Rome by car, which is the most convenient option, taking approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a regional train from Rome to Albano Laziale and then a local bus or taxi to Ariccia. Some visitors suggest combining a visit with other nearby attractions like the Gardens of Ninfa or Isola del Liri for a day trip.
Yes, there is usually parking available in the vicinity of Palazzo Chigi Ariccia, particularly in the public parking areas around the town center. Be aware that parking can be more challenging on weekends or during local events.
Absolutely! Palazzo Chigi Ariccia is a popular destination for day trips from Rome. It can be easily combined with other attractions in the Castelli Romani region, making for a full and rewarding day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's essential to check the official website or contact the palace directly before your visit. They often have an afternoon closing period, so timing your arrival is crucial. Special events may also affect regular hours.
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Palazzo Chigi Ariccia website for the most current admission fees. Discounts may be available for certain groups. Some visitors have noted that the ticket price is well worth the experience for the art and history offered.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or on a weekend. This can help you secure your entry and avoid potential queues. For guided tours, advance booking is often necessary.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted inside Palazzo Chigi Ariccia, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. It's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The palace has multiple floors, and accessibility can be a concern for visitors with mobility issues. While some areas may be accessible, not all parts of the historic building might be. It's advisable to contact the palace in advance to inquire about specific accessibility arrangements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors highly recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and art within Palazzo Chigi Ariccia. The tours are described as excellent and informative, providing context that enhances the visit. Exploring the different floors reveals the Chigi family's wealth and artistic patronage.
A typical visit to Palazzo Chigi Ariccia can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and interest. Some visitors spent almost two hours on just the first two floors and felt they needed more time to see the third floor. A guided tour will also influence the duration.
Palazzo Chigi Ariccia houses a significant collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including paintings by Italian masters and notable works by the Dutch portraitist Jacob Voet. You'll also find intricate frescoes and historical furnishings that reflect the family's prestige.
Unfortunately, the gardens of Palazzo Chigi Ariccia are generally not accessible to the public, which some visitors have noted as a drawback. The focus of the visit is primarily on the interior of the palace and its art collections.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini played a crucial role in the design and development of Palazzo Chigi Ariccia and its surrounding Piazza di Corte. His architectural vision contributed to creating one of the most unified Baroque complexes in the Roman area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within Palazzo Chigi Ariccia itself. However, the town of Ariccia is famous for its porchetta and offers numerous trattorias and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine after your visit.
Ariccia is renowned for its delicious 'porchetta,' a savory roasted pork dish. You'll find many local eateries serving this specialty, making it a must-try when visiting the area. The town also hosts food and wine events.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of Palazzo Chigi Ariccia and the Piazza di Corte offer stunning architectural shots, especially with Bernini's design. Inside, the richly decorated rooms, frescoes, and art collections provide ample opportunities for photography, though flash is usually prohibited.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside Palazzo Chigi Ariccia. However, it's important to refrain from using flash to protect the delicate artworks and historical interiors. Always check for any specific signage regarding photography rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Inside, the richly decorated rooms, intricate frescoes, and diverse art collection present compelling subjects. Be mindful of the no-flash policy to protect the artworks. Capturing the interplay of light and shadow within the historic interiors can yield stunning results.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chigi Family Legacy
This legacy of wealth and influence is palpable throughout the palace. Visitors can observe not only Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces but also works by Dutch artists like Jacob Voet, showcasing the family's broad artistic patronage.
Exploring Palazzo Chigi Ariccia offers a glimpse into the lives of one of Italy's most powerful aristocratic families. The carefully curated rooms, from the Cardinal's Chambers to the Summer Dining Room, tell stories of power, prestige, and a deep appreciation for the arts, making it a fascinating historical journey.
+1Bernini's Baroque Masterpiece
This collaboration between the Chigi family and Bernini resulted in a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture.The influence of Bernini is evident in the palace's imposing facade and the harmonious layout of the public space in front of it. His designs aimed to impress and convey the power and sophistication of the Chigi family, integrating the palace seamlessly into the urban fabric of Ariccia.
While Bernini's direct involvement in the interior decoration might be less pronounced than his architectural contributions, his overarching design principles shaped the palace's aesthetic. The result is a building that stands as a significant example of Baroque urban planning and architectural design in the Lazio region.
Art and Interiors: A Visual Feast
Beyond the paintings, the palace is adorned with stunning frescoes and original decor that transport visitors back in time. The Cardinal's Chambers offer an intimate look at the private lives of influential family members, featuring spaces designed for both representation and personal reflection.
The Summer Dining Room, with its exquisite decorations, further highlights the opulent lifestyle of the Chigi aristocracy.Many visitors have praised the quality and preservation of the art and interiors, describing the rooms as beautifully decorated and never over the top.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit