Home to a fascinating collection of items, Palazzo Altemps is a little-known gem. The items in the collection were owned by Roman nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. The building itself is also worthy of note: the 15th-century palace was built on the grounds of a Roman dwelling, close to the Piazza Navona, and boasts frescoed walls. For greater insight into the collection, arrange a private guided tour of the museum.
Save on the entry fee by purchasing a combination ticket to all the sites that make up the National Roman Museum, including the Baths of Diocletian, the Crypta Balbi, and the Palazzo Massimo.
The Palazzo Altemps is wheelchair accessible.
Make sure you visit the Sant' Aniceto chapel, part of the palace complex.
The Palazzo Altemps is located right in the center of Rome, just behind the Piazza Navona. It is walking distance from several major sites, including the Pantheon. City buses 30 and 70 stop nearby, and the closest metro station is Flaminio–Piazza del Popolo (Line A), a 15-minute walk from the museum.
The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday all year round. The Palazzo Altemps is one of the quieter museums in Rome, and makes for a restful escape from the city crowds. The building is also lovely and cool on hot summer days.
Just a short stroll from the Palazzo Altemps you’ll find the expansive Piazza Navona. The plaza was built on the site of the former Roman Stadium of Domitian, which was used for athletic contests in the 1st century AD. The stadium’s U-shaped layout can still be seen in the shape of the square, and at the north end you can see what’s left of the original building.
