Palazzo Borghese, Renaissance palazzo in Campo Marzio, Rome, Italy
Palazzo Borghese is a large palace in Rome that occupies an irregular city block with facades facing four different streets in the historic center. The building contains residential apartments, private art collections, and formal reception rooms arranged across multiple interconnected wings.
A cardinal purchased the building in the late 1500s and launched major renovations after his elevation to the papacy, transforming it into a family symbol of power. The remodeling reflected both his personal status and the family's growing influence in Rome during the early decades of the following century.
The interior showcases a nymphaeum decorated with classical statues and elaborate water features, reflecting the taste of Renaissance elites for ancient art and theatrical gardens. This private space reveals how wealth and power were displayed through refined leisure areas.
The palace is partially open to the public while some sections serve as private residences or official institutions. Visitors should explore the exterior facades and check beforehand which interior areas are accessible, as access can vary depending on current use.
The building earned the nickname 'Cembalo' because its unusual floor plan resembles the shape of a harpsichord. This playful naming shows how Romans sometimes referred to buildings using poetic references to their distinctive forms.
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