Casa del Burcardo, 15th century palace in Largo Argentina, Rome, Italy
Casa del Burcardo is a 15th-century palace featuring late Gothic architecture with distinctive stonework and proportions typical of that period. The structure comprises multiple sections originally designed for residential living, service functions, and support areas that reflect the needs of a prominent household.
A papal master of ceremonies from Strasbourg commissioned the palace between 1491 and 1500, incorporating elements from an older monastic complex that previously occupied the site. The building subsequently underwent transformations that eventually led to its role as a cultural institution.
The palace serves as a theater library and museum, holding collections that document Italian theater and performance traditions over many centuries. You can see how the space functions as a repository for the country's artistic heritage and creative memory.
The palace sits in central Rome and is accessible by public transportation from various parts of the city. Plan your visit in advance as opening hours may vary, and wear comfortable shoes for navigating the interior spaces.
Beneath the building lies an entrance to Torre Argentina, an archaeological site containing ruins from ancient Rome that visitors often overlook. This underground connection links the medieval and Renaissance structure above with layers of the city's distant past.
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