Palazzetto Zuccari, Artist's house in Monti district, Rome, Italy
Palazzetto Zuccari is a Baroque residential palazzo situated at the intersection of Via Sistina and Via Gregoriana, distinguished by window and door frames carved as monster faces. The building now houses the Bibliotheca Hertziana, a research institution dedicated to Italian art history and managed by the Max Planck Society since 1912.
Federico Zuccari, a prominent artist, purchased land near Trinità dei Monti in 1590 and built this residence on the remains of the ancient Gardens of Lucullus. The site carried centuries of artistic and residential significance before his construction began.
In 1702, the residence became home to Queen Marie Casimire Louise of Poland, who established a theater for musical performances within its walls. This royal presence transformed the structure into a gathering place for composers and patrons of the arts.
Visitors can view the building's exterior and admire the striking monster carvings on its facade. Since interior access is typically limited to researchers and registered guests, the best way to experience this site is to explore the surrounding area and appreciate the architectural details from outside.
The most striking feature is the use of stone-carved monster faces as window and door frames on the facade, earning the building the nickname House of Monsters. This unusual decoration reflected the artistic creativity and individuality of its creator, making it a distinctive element among Rome's palatial architecture.
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