Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace - Italian Parliament), Rome
Located on the northern fringe of the Centro Storico, Piazza Montecitorio derives its name from the imposing Palazzo di Montecitorio that dominates its northern side. Since 1871, this grand palace has served as the seat of the lower house of the Italian parliament.
The palazzo's original architect, Bernini, secured his appointment after presenting a silver model of his design to the wife of his patron, Prince Ludovisi. Although completed by Carlo Fontana in 1694, the building initially served as the Papal Tribunal of Justice. In 1871, it was selected as the new Chamber of Deputies for the newly unified Italy. Over time, the palazzo expanded and acquired a second grand façade by 1927. Today, the Italian parliament comprises 630 members who are elected through a majority system with proportional representation. Guided tours of the palazzo provide access to the plenary hall and reception rooms, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart of Italian democracy.
In the center of the piazza, facing the palazzo, stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Originally constructed in 589 BC, this remarkable artifact was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. Pope Pius VI erected the obelisk in the square in 1789, and it remains one of Rome's most significant obelisks, bearing witness to the city's rich history.
The palazzo's original architect, Bernini, secured his appointment after presenting a silver model of his design to the wife of his patron, Prince Ludovisi. Although completed by Carlo Fontana in 1694, the building initially served as the Papal Tribunal of Justice. In 1871, it was selected as the new Chamber of Deputies for the newly unified Italy. Over time, the palazzo expanded and acquired a second grand façade by 1927. Today, the Italian parliament comprises 630 members who are elected through a majority system with proportional representation. Guided tours of the palazzo provide access to the plenary hall and reception rooms, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart of Italian democracy.
In the center of the piazza, facing the palazzo, stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Originally constructed in 589 BC, this remarkable artifact was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. Pope Pius VI erected the obelisk in the square in 1789, and it remains one of Rome's most significant obelisks, bearing witness to the city's rich history.
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Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace - Italian Parliament) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo Montecitorio (Montecitorio Palace - Italian Parliament)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it’s a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy’s most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caffès are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome’s best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic...
Souvenirs Shopping: 15 Authentic Italian Things To Buy in Rome
Rome is the Eternal City and, as such, the list of gift options available here is countless. Whether it's something edible, drinkable, wearable or pleasing to the eye that you want - you will find it all here in abundance. However, if time or budget is the factor, perhaps you might want to...
10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy
Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of...