Palazzo Armellini Cesi

Was this grand Palazzo Armellini Cesi truly touched by the destructive hand of war? Indeed, it was. While strolling along the modern Via della Conciliazione, it’s hard to imagine the scene in 1527. But picture this: The Landsknechts, brutal soldiers under Charles V, are rampaging through Rome. They reach Palazzo Armellini Cesi, its elegant facade still new, commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Armellini just a few years prior. Legend has it they used the palace’s open windows to gain entry to the city. The palace, brimming with treasures, was looted. Cardinal Armellini himself barely escaped, whisked away in a basket to the safety of Castel Sant’Angelo. Despite this tumultuous beginning, Palazzo Armellini Cesi survived. In 1565, it found new owners, the Cesi family. They breathed fresh life into the building. They hired the talented Martino Longhi the Elder to remodel the palace. He blended the existing structure with Renaissance flair, creating what we see today. The Cesi family, patrons of the arts and sciences, made Palazzo Armellini Cesi a haven for intellectuals. Even the famed Accademia dei Lincei, founded by Federico Cesi, briefly called this palace home. Over the centuries, Palazzo Armellini Cesi witnessed history unfold. It even played a courageous role during World War II, becoming a hiding place for those fleeing persecution, thanks to the brave actions of Father Pancrazio Pfeiffer. Although altered during the construction of Via della Conciliazione, Palazzo Armellini Cesi remains a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of Rome.