Palazzo Mattei

Palazzo Mattei is a three-story Renaissance building with twin entrances from adjacent streets and walls of brick and travertine. The facade displays the Mattei family checkerboard emblem, while the courtyard holds ancient Roman sculptures and sarcophagi alongside Baroque decorative work.

Architect Carlo Maderno designed and constructed the palace between 1598 and 1618 for Asdrubale Mattei following his marriage to Costanza Gonzaga. The building became part of the transformation of this neighborhood into a residential quarter for Rome's wealthy families in the early 1600s.

The courtyard blends ancient Roman statues and sarcophagi with Baroque decorative elements, showing how the family integrated classical treasures into their new home. This combination reflects the tastes of wealthy collectors during the 1600s and remains visible as you walk through the space.

The building now contains several institutions, including the Library of Modern and Contemporary History and the Italian Institute of Sound and Audiovisual Heritage. Some rooms and the courtyard can be viewed if you check ahead for access information since different areas have varying opening conditions.

The first floor displays frescoes by Francesco Albani, Domenichino, Giovanni Lanfranco, and Pietro da Cortona depicting biblical stories. These wall paintings showcase the skill of renowned Roman painters and represent a rare preserved example of such decoration at this level.