Palazzo Chigi, Government palace in Piazza Colonna, Rome, Italy
Palazzo Chigi is a government palace near Piazza Colonna in Rome, combining architectural styles from Mannerism through to Baroque. The central courtyard with its fountain connects the wings of the building, and a broad staircase leads to the upper floors with reception halls.
Construction started in 1562 for the Aldobrandini family to designs by Giacomo della Porta, before the Chigi family took over the property in 1659. Since 1961 the building has been the official residence of the Italian Prime Minister and hosts the Council of Ministers meetings.
The name comes from the Chigi family, who acquired the building in the 17th century and decorated it with frescoes and artworks. Today the courtyard welcomes official delegations and occasionally serves as a backdrop for government press conferences.
The building is not open to the general public as it continues to function as the seat of government. You can view the facade and main entrance from the nearby Corso, particularly well visible in daylight.
The palace's courtyard fountain, designed by Giacomo della Porta, has been copied at many sites in Rome and other Italian cities. The Library Hall was built for Cardinal Flavio Chigi's manuscripts, and in the 1920s Pietro Tacchi Venturi persuaded Mussolini to give the collection to the Vatican free of charge.
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