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
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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.
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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.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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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
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome holds a unique place in the story of Western civilization. Its influence shaped European culture through language, governance, and monumental architecture.
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The name “Rome” originates from Romulus, the mythical founder of the city, who, according to legend, was the son of the war god Mars and Rhea Silvia, the priestess of goddess Vesta. Both,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II
Rome, the Eternal City, carries a legacy shaped by centuries of resilience, transformation, and cultural flourishing. The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD marked the end of an era, plunging Western Europe into the dark Middle Ages. Yet, even amid the disarray, Rome endured as a beacon of unity, largely due to its status as the center of Catholicism. The papacy wielded spiritual influence,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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