Art by Rubens and Titian, plus ornate furniture and tapestries in palatial, 18th-century apartments. Art by Rubens and Titian, plus ornate furniture and tapestries in palatial, 18th-century apartments. The art collection of the aristocratic Doria Pamphilj (or Pamphili) family – now headed by two half-British siblings – is truly magnificent, as is the palazzo where the works are still displayed according to a 1760 inventory.
Artistic highlights of the place include a striking portrait by Velázquez of the Pamphili pontiff Innocent X: this was the inspiration for Francis Bacon’s 1953 ‘screaming pope’. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Bernini, Breughel the Elder and Hans Memling. The ticket price includes an excellent audioguide narrated by Prince Jonathan Pamphili himself – I love the bit about how he and his sister used to roller-skate through these august halls. For a multi-sensoral experience, join the Saturday (11am) tour accompanied by an art historian and a live early music orchestra; €30, €8 reductions, booking essential.
The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a treasure trove of art and history, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of a historic Roman palace while enjoying a world-class art collection. The combination of opulent architecture and masterful artworks makes it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers in Rome.