Palazzo Altemps
Piazza di Sant’Apollinare 46, Rome, Italy, 00186
For centuries, aristocratic families lived in Palazzo Altemps, a lavish mansion whose oldest section dates back to the 15th century. They collected art and rare artifacts, including marble statues from ancient Rome. Many were sold to world-renowned museums, such as the Louvre and the British Museum. But some are still on display within the Palazzo Altemps, now a museum prized for its sculpture collection. Visitors can also see artifacts from Egypt, ancient Roman pottery, and other treasures.
The Basics
Home to a fascinating collection of items, Palazzo Altemps is a little-known gem. The items in the collection were owned by Roman nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. The building itself is also worthy of note: the 15th-century palace was built on the grounds of a Roman dwelling, close to the Piazza Navona, and boasts frescoed walls. For greater insight into the collection, arrange a private guided tour of the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
Save on the entry fee by purchasing a combination ticket to all the sites that make up the National Roman Museum, including the Baths of Diocletian, the Crypta Balbi, and the Palazzo Massimo.
The Palazzo Altemps is wheelchair accessible.
Make sure you visit the Sant' Aniceto chapel, part of the palace complex.
How to Get There
The Palazzo Altemps is located right in the center of Rome, just behind the Piazza Navona. It is walking distance from several major sites, including the Pantheon. City buses 30 and 70 stop nearby, and the closest metro station is Flaminio–Piazza del Popolo (Line A), a 15-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday all year round. The Palazzo Altemps is one of the quieter museums in Rome, and makes for a restful escape from the city crowds. The building is also lovely and cool on hot summer days.
Walk the Piazza Navona
Just a short stroll from the Palazzo Altemps you’ll find the expansive Piazza Navona. The plaza was built on the site of the former Roman Stadium of Domitian, which was used for athletic contests in the 1st century AD. The stadium’s U-shaped layout can still be seen in the shape of the square, and at the north end you can see what’s left of the original building.
Ways to explore
Palazzo Altemps is part of the National Roman Museum, which includes three other sites in Rome: Palazzo Massimo, the Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano), and the Crypta Balbi. Combined tickets score you admission to all museum locations and are valid for a week. Set aside one to two hours for Palazzo Altemps. There’s a lot to take in, and the historic setting, with its frescoed ceilings, will encourage you to linger. Most visits are self-guided, as the museum doesn’t offer tours, but you can arrange for a private tour that delves deep into the collection’s ancient origins.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for loan.
Age limits
None; 18-and-unders enter for free.
What to pack
Guidebook, camera
What to wear
Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
Smoking or vaping, taking photographs with professional equipment
Amenities
Baby changing rooms, cloakroom, bookshop
Address
Palazzo Altemps is located in the heart of Rome’s centro storico (historical city center), close to Piazza Navona. The neighborhood is made up of narrow, cobbled streets, and some areas are pedestrian-only, making it easiest to navigate on foot. But you’ll still find plenty of ways to reach the museum by private and public transportation.
Driving
It is possible to reach Palazzo Altemps by car, but driving yourself in Rome isn’t recommended, due to congestion and the prohibition on driving in certain areas. However, you can get a taxi or a rideshare to drop you off by the entrance.
Public transportation
The closest metro station is Piazza di Spagna on Line A, approximately a 15-minute walk from Palazzo Altemps. Otherwise, numerous bus lines stop closer to the museum, including the 70, 81, 87, 186, 492, and 628.
Best times to visit
The morning, right after opening time, is when you’ll find the fewest crowds.
Best days to visit
Aim for a weekday for the quietest experience. But don’t plan a visit for Monday, when the museum is closed.
Best months to visit
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are great weather windows for visiting Rome. Avoid July and August, when Rome’s city center is miserably hot and packed with tour groups.
Special events
On the first Sunday of every month, admission to all four National Roman Museum sites is free.
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