Guests of the Princes
Private Colonna Gallery Tour
A private palace of Rome’s aristocracy — open only on Saturdays
Palazzo Colonna is one of Rome’s most opulent private palaces, still owned by an ancient aristocratic family and open to the public only a few hours on Saturdays. Two hours in the enfilades and marble halls where one of Italy’s most important collections was gathered over centuries: mirrors, frescoes, Old Master paintings and the Great Hall that rivals Versailles. With an art historian, without the crowds. In English, Italian and Russian.
Programme
- The Great Hall of the Colonna Gallery A baroque enfilade of mirrors and ceiling frescoes.
- Old Masters Paintings from the Colonna family’s private collection.
- The apartments (on the extended route) Interiors, antique furniture and paintings, including Bruegel.
- The atmosphere A lived-in aristocratic palace, not a museum.
Colonna is the Rome that’s usually closed. The palace has belonged to the family for a thousand years, and on Saturdays it opens the Great Hall — an interior beside which Versailles looks restrained. For those who’ve seen the Vatican and the Colosseum, it’s a revelation: the hidden opulence of the Eternal City.
What the price covers
- A private tour with an art-historian guide
- Skip-the-line tickets arranged
- English, Italian and Russian
Paid separately
- Entry tickets (booked ahead, paid separately)
The quoted price covers one to three guests. From four upwards, quoted on request.
Practical notes
- Meeting point
- At the Palazzo Colonna entrance
- Duration
- About 2 hours
- Opening
- Open to the public only on Saturday mornings; a private visit on another day is available on request (the palace opens for you alone)
- Dress code
- Smart casual; photography without flash is usually allowed
Frequently asked
When can you visit Palazzo Colonna?
For the public — only Saturday mornings; on other days a private visit is available on request, when the palace is opened exclusively for you.
What makes this tour unique?
It’s a visit to a private palace still owned by an aristocratic family, with a Great Hall that rivals Versailles — without the crowds.
How much is it?
From €300 per tour (1–3 guests); from four, on request. Ticket separate.
Will we see the private apartments?
On the extended route yes, including rooms with antique furniture and paintings (including Bruegel).
Is there a dress code?
No strict rules, but smart casual suits; beachwear is out of place.
Who is it for?
Those who’ve seen the Vatican and the Colosseum and want Rome’s hidden opulence.
Available dates and a quote for your party — in reply to a short message.
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