Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale
On Gingerguide's self-guided Rome audio tour, Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale is a stop worth about ~40 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type palace
- Suggested visit ~40 min
- Rome Rome guide
About Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale
Rome's highest hill, crowned by a monumental fountain with ancient Egyptian obelisk, twin colossal horse-tamers, and the Quirinal Palace, official residence of the Italian President.
The Quirinal Hill is the highest of Rome's seven hills and its panoramic square, the Piazza del Quirinale, offers one of the finest views in the city, stretching over the rooftops to St Peter's dome on the horizon. The square is dominated by the Fontana dei Dioscuri, a spectacular composition featuring a 15-metre Egyptian obelisk (one of Rome's many) flanked by two colossal ancient Roman marble statues of Castor and Pollux taming horses, the Dioscuri, originally from the Baths of Constantine on the same hill.
The Palazzo del Quirinale behind the square was originally built as a papal summer residence, begun in 1583 under Pope Gregory XIII. It served as the principal residence of 30 popes over 293 years. In 1870 when Italian troops occupied Rome and ended papal temporal power, the palace became the residence of the Italian royal family; since 1946 it has been the official residence and workplace of the President of the Italian Republic.
The palazzo is open to the public on certain days; its interior contains frescoes by Melozzo da Forlì, tapestries, and a remarkable collection of art accumulated over four centuries of papal, royal, and presidential use.
Did you know? The Quirinal Palace has served three different forms of Italian government: 30 popes (1592–1870), Italian kings (1870–1946), and Italian presidents (1946–present).
How much time do you need at Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale?
Around ~40 min works well for Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale?
Yes — Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale made the cut as one of 47 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Rome. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Rome
Hear the story of Piazza del Quirinale & Palazzo del Quirinale
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