Quirinal Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale)

The basics

Pope Gregory XIII built the Quirinal Palace in the late 1500s as a summer residence. It was home to dozens of popes for over three centuries before becoming the first residence of the royal House of Savoy, and finally the residence of Italy’s president of the republic in 1947. Its monumental staircase, grand Salone dei Corazzieri, and Cappella Paolina even caught the eye of Napoleon, who was defeated before he could make the palace his own.

Palace visits are only by guided tour on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; booking in advance is imperative, as spaces are limited. To view the Renaissance palace from the outside, join a walking, e-bike, or Vespa tour that includes Rome’s highlights such as the Quirinal Palace, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican. For a unique experience, opt for an evening tour of Rome to see the palace beautifully lit.

Things to know before you go

• Palace visits require a security check; large bags and backpacks, plastic and glass bottles, cans, umbrellas, and other pointed objects are prohibited.

• No photos or videos are allowed.

• The palace is accessible to wheelchair users, though the garden has gravel paths that may be difficult to maneuver.

How to get there

The Quirinal Palace is located on Via del Quirinale at Piazza del Quirinale. Take metro line A to Repubblica–Teatro Opera station or metro line B to Cavour station.

When to get there

The palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. Plan to visit on a Sunday, when you can also see the Changing of the Guard.

The history of Quirinal Hill

The palace’s current site was once home to Roman temples and, later, baths built by Constantine. The hill was known as the Salita di Montecavallo (Horse Hill) for centuries, named for ancient statues that portrayed Castor and Pollux in the act of taming their horses that once sat here.

Ways to explore

The Quirinal Palace is open to visitors, but only on certain days, and visits are restricted to Italian-language guided tours. You have a choice of three themed tours, focusing on the palace’s art collection, its political function, or a combination of both. Booking in advance is imperative, as space is limited. The Renaissance palace is also impressive from the outside, so if you can’t get inside, join a tour by foot, e-bike, Vespa, or even a golf cart tour that passes by the palace en route to Roman landmarks such as the Roman Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.

Accessibility

Visitors with mobility issues may use elevators to get around inside the palace, but the garden’s uneven paths may be tricky.

Age limits

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

For guided tours, please bring an ID card that matches the name on your reservation.

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes for the tour, as it involves a significant amount of walking.

Not allowed

Photography, bottles, large bags, and animals (except service dogs) are prohibited inside. Do not touch art or artifacts or stray from your tour.

Amenities

Adjacent to the palace, in its former stables, the Scuderie del Quirinale has a café, bookstore, and exhibition space.

Address

Located in the center of Rome, the Quirinal Palace is easily accessible from many major landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Driving

While you could drive to the Quirinal Palace, Rome’s traffic is not for the faint of heart, and parking is a headache. Hail a cab or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

From Termini Station, take Metro line A to Barberini station and walk for around 10 minutes. Alternatively, buses 40, 60, and 64 stop at Nazionale/Quirinale, which is a short walk.

Best times to visit

Visit at 3pm to see the Changing of the Guard, or in the evening to see the palace lit up.

Best days to visit

The palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. Plan to visit on a Sunday, when you can hear classical music in the Pauline Chapel (Cappella Paolina).

Best months to visit

The spring months of April to June offer pleasant temperatures and the opportunity to see blooming flowers in the gardens.

Special events

On June 2, Italy celebrates its national day, Festa della Repubblica. As part of the celebrations, the palace’s gardens open to the public in the afternoon and host performances by military bands.