Palazzo Serristori, Renaissance palace near Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Palazzo Serristori is a Renaissance palace located between Via della Conciliazione and Borgo Santo Spirito, with its main facade facing east toward Via dei Cavalieri del Santo Sepolcro. The building now houses the Scuola Pontificia Pio IX, serving as an educational institution for approximately one thousand students.
Ambassador Averardo Serristori commissioned the construction of this palace in 1565, which later served as the Tuscan embassy to the Holy See until 1821. Following the decline of its diplomatic function, the building was repurposed for educational use.
The palace displays Renaissance architectural elements, including a square courtyard with a pillared loggia and military-themed frescoes on the interior walls. These decorative details reflect its past role as a diplomatic residence.
The building sits close to St. Peter's Basilica and is easily located, but functions as an active school campus and is not open for general sightseeing. Visitors should note that interior areas are not accessible during school hours.
The palace survived the extensive demolitions during the construction of Via della Conciliazione, making it one of the few remaining Renaissance palaces in the Borgo district. This survival makes it an important record of how this area transformed over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
