Palazzo Barberini (Barberini Palace): Princess Ann's Embassy, Rome

Within the Palazzo Barberini lies the National Gallery of Ancient Art ("Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica"), a splendid collection that weaves together a tapestry of predominantly Italian art spanning from the early Renaissance to the late Baroque era. The gallery showcases remarkable works by renowned artists such as Titian, El Greco, and Caravaggio. However, the true marvel lies in the grandeur of the building itself, which was shaped by the skilled hands of Bernini, Borromini, and Maderno. A visit to the first-floor Gran Salone reveals the captivating fresco, "The Triumph of Divine Providence", painted by Pietro da Cortona in a frenzied Baroque style that seems to come alive and envelop you.

Among the notable paintings in the gallery, do not miss Caravaggio's gripping masterpiece "Judith Beheading Holofernes", Fra' Filippo Lippi's tender "Madonna and Child", and Raphael's enigmatic "Fornarina", believed to depict the daughter of a baker from the Trastevere neighborhood, rumored to have been the artist's mistress (Raphael's name can be seen clearly on the woman's bracelet). Additionally, keep an eye out for Bronzino's portrayal of the proudly upright Stefano Colonna and a portrait of Henry VIII by the talented Hans Holbein. The Palazzo Barberini and its art collection are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.

***Movie "ROMAN HOLIDAY": Princess Ann's Embassy***
Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane, is where Princess Ann's Embassy is during her stay in Rome. Note its wonderfully ornate gate featured in the film welcoming Princess Ann's delegation, and also in the scenes of her escape from the palace. Either due to availability issues or for aesthetic purposes, interior shots were made in Palazzo Brancaccio, while the interior of Palazzo Barberini was not featured in the film.