Palazzo Barberini Guided Group Tour
Discover the masterpieces of the National Gallery of Ancients Arts on a guided tour of Palazzo Barberini.
What you'll see.
Discover the masterpieces of the National Gallery of Ancients Arts on a guided tour of Palazzo Barberini.
A palace built to impress
Explore the magnificent Palazzo Barberini and its stunning collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces on a guided tour. The palace itself is a piece of history: begun in 1627 for Maffeo Barberini, who by then had become Pope Urban VIII, it grew under three of the greatest architects of the age. Carlo Maderno drew the first plans, and after his death the work passed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, with Francesco Borromini contributing alongside him. The two rivals each left a staircase here, Bernini's grand square stairwell and Borromini's elegant oval helix, and comparing the two is one of the quiet pleasures of the visit.
The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica
Today the palace houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Italy's national collection of older paintings. Your journey through the palace will unveil the architectural brilliance of Bernini, Borromini, and Maderno, alongside artworks by Raphael, Titian, Holbein, and Guido Reni. Room after room, your guide connects the paintings to the family that built the palace and to the Rome they helped shape, and points out the symbolic power of the Barberini bee emblem, the family crest you'll soon start spotting on ceilings, doorways and frames throughout the building.
The Salone Pietro da Cortona
The visit's great crescendo is the Salone Pietro da Cortona, where you'll stand in awe beneath the frescoed ceiling, Cortona's Triumph of Divine Providence, painted in the 1630s. It is one of the defining works of Roman Baroque painting: an entire vault that seems to open to the sky, swirling with figures celebrating the Barberini family's rise. Your guide will help you decode it, bee by bee.
Good to know
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes your admission ticket, a guide with deep knowledge of Renaissance and Baroque art, and audio equipment when needed so you never miss a word. You'll meet your guide at the entrance of Palazzo Barberini (exact details arrive with your booking confirmation), and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. It's a natural fit for art lovers who want Rome's painting collections without the crush of the bigger museums, a palace, a papal family and a world-class gallery in one unhurried visit.
- Discover the masterpieces of the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica
- Admire the stunning architecture of the 17th-century Palazzo Barberini
- Marvel at the Salone Pietro da Cortona, with its breathtaking frescoed ceiling
Stop by stop.
- 01
Palazzo Barberini
Explore the magnificent Palazzo Barberini, begun in 1627 for Maffeo Barberini, who had become Pope Urban VIII, and built under three of the greatest architects of the age, Carlo Maderno, then Bernini and Borromini, whose rival staircases are among the quiet pleasures of the visit.
- 02
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica
The palace houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Italy's national collection of older paintings, with works by Raphael, Titian, Holbein and Guido Reni, and the Barberini bee emblem you'll start spotting on ceilings, doorways and frames throughout.
- 03
Salone Pietro da Cortona
Stand in awe beneath the frescoed ceiling of the Salone Pietro da Cortona, Cortona's Triumph of Divine Providence painted in the 1630s, one of the defining works of Roman Baroque, an entire vault that seems to open to the sky.
What's included.
- ✓Guided tour of the Palazzo Barberini
- ✓Admission ticket to the Palazzo Barberini
- ✓Expert guide with deep knowledge of Renaissance and Baroque art.
- ✓Audio equipment (if needed) for clear communication during the tour.
- —Meals and Drinks
- —Hotel pick up & Drop off
Before you come.
- The entire tour lasts approximately 2 hours , including time spent at the Palazzo Barberini
- Please meet your guide at the entrance of Palazzo Barberini (specific details provided upon booking).
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour involves walking through historic sites.
- Please Note: When you purchase our service, it includes the entrance fee to the museum, which is €18 for adults (and an additional 15€ for the Barberini+exhibiton option), along with a booking fee. The remaining portion of the payment covers essential services such as meeting point assistance, booking fees, live guide, headsets and other related services to enhance your overall experience.
Where to find us.
Palazzo Barberini Entrance
In front of the main entrance of the Palazzo Barberini. Your Tour Guide will have a light-blue flag that reads ” Inside Out Italy “ Please arrive 15 minutes before the start, punctually, at the designated meeting point.
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Cancel up to 24 hours before your start time for a full refund.
Cancellations inside 24 hours of the start time can't be refunded.
