In the Stanza delle Belle, a room found on the piano nobile of Palazzo Chigi, a series of portraits of women are on display. I spent a great deal of time examining the fashions of the subjects, while imagining the history and personalities of these Roman beauties, memorized by their hairstyles, dresses, postures and stares.
Stanza delle Belle captures the essence of Palazzo Chigi; it takes you back into time and provides a glimpse into the splendor of 17 century European aristocracy. Originally of the Savelli family in the 1500’s, it passed to the Chigi family who transformed the castle into a splendid Baroque residence in the 17th century. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and renovations carried out by his pupil Carlo Fontana from 1664 to 1672, the building today is now a museum which showcases an important collection of the Chigi family's paintings, sculptures and furnishings, mostly from the 17th and 18th century.
The Palazzo’s preserved rooms, both in function and layout, coupled with the original frescoes, decorations and artwork are a time capsule. It offers an immersive glimpse into the lives and world of the renowned Italian Chigi family.
The Caravaggio masterpiece ‘La Presa di Cristo’ is now back on display at Palazzo Chigi, where it will be exhibited in the Sala Borghese. You can see it there now as part of the palace’s collection, with the painting on view through at least September 2030.
Another feature is its extremely rare 17th-century leather wall hangings, known as Cordovan. These richly decorated panels cover the walls of many rooms, and some of the designs are attributed to Bernini’s workshop.
Located in the heart of Ariccia, a town 30k south of Rome, Palazzo Chigi is situated in the main piazza, Piazza di Corte, across from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and next to Ariccia’s monumental bridge. Bernini is responsible for the urban layout of the piazza, the construction of the Church, the two Casini (guest houses) on the sides of the church and the two fountains.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza di Corte.
A blend of a castle, villa and a palace, Palazzo Chigi has a somber exterior in respect to the lavish Baroque interior
The ticket price is so low compared to what the museum offers. There is also a 16th century park outside to visit.
For the latest opening times and ticket pricing visit: https://www.palazzochigiariccia.it/visita-palazzo/
Pharmacy. Pharmacy Cabinet designed by Carlo Fontana, made by Antonio Chicari.
La Stanza Rossa. Part of the Cardinale Rooms.
The Ariosto Room holds the palace’s most significant frescoes, noted for their poetic and artistic excellence.
The Red and Yellow Room