Is this imposing palace truly untouched by time? You might think so, gazing at Palazzo Torlonia, but its story is one of constant change and evolution. This grand Renaissance townhouse, located on the majestic Via della Conciliazione, has seen kings, cardinals, and even a touch of England in its long history. Palazzo Torlonia wasn’t always its name, you see. Cardinal Adriano Castellesi da Corneto began building it in 1496, envisioning a Roman masterpiece. The design, perhaps inspired by the Palazzo della Cancelleria, showcases the elegance of the early Renaissance. Imagine Cardinal Castellesi’s surprise when, out of favor and in need, he had to gift the unfinished palace in 1504. And to whom? None other than King Henry VII of England! The palace later became a temporary residence for England’s last Cardinal Protector, Lorenzo Campeggio. But after England’s split from the Catholic Church, the Campeggio family held onto Palazzo Torlonia until 1609. It then passed through the hands of prominent families like the Borghese, each leaving their mark. Finally, in 1820, it found a lasting home with the Torlonia family, their coat of arms proudly displayed above the grand portal. Over the centuries, Palazzo Torlonia witnessed Rome transform. It once stood on the bustling Piazza Scossacavalli, now gone, swallowed by the creation of Via della Conciliazione in the 20th century. Yet, Palazzo Torlonia stands defiant, a testament to enduring beauty and a silent observer of centuries past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to