Architecture

THE PALACE • ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Hall of papal audiences

It is a large frescoed hall, located on the ground floor, designed to impress those granted access to the palace.

At the back of the room, a monumental fireplace, perhaps designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi, is imposed upon the sight of those who enter, while on the ceiling there are frescoes of five stories of David’s youth that follow the biblical book of the prophet Samuel. The scenes are represented as separate paintings, enclosed within false frames, which are also painted on the wall.

The name of the author of the frescoes is unknown, but they are probably workers linked to the school of Pellegrino Tibaldi. Those who are curious to learn more about these stories can find brief descriptions on this dedicated page.

The choice of themes was functional to the message, the stories of King David were considered particularly appropriate for a home owned by the high clergy as they exalted its value, courage and faith.
The lower part of the walls, below the painted surfaces, which until very recently were covered with a dark yellow plaster, have now been restored to their original design: a Venetian stucco dating back to the sixteenth century. The part of the fireplace is lighter, while the area inside the entrance door is darker.

We do not know if Ugo Boncompagni ever held hearings in this room, which is characterized by splendid acoustics. But since the chronicles of the time tell that the future pope did not have a strong voice, and that for this reason he gave up his university career, it can be easily assumed that the hall favored his eloquence.

Sala del Papa

GUIDED TOUR IN ITALIAN WITH APERITIVO

December 1, 8, 13, 22 and 29 | 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Boncompagni by night

Discover Palazzo Boncompagni in the evening. A fascinating journey through history and art, enhanced by an exclusive aperitif in the Pope’s Room.

breakfast at the palace

GUIDED TOUR IN ITALIAN WITH BREAKFAST

Every Saturday in December 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Breakfast at the Palace

What could be better than starting the day in beauty in a Renaissance palace?

Saturday morning guided tours with breakfast in the Pope Room of the Boncompagni Palace are back.

Visite Serali con Musica Palazzo Boncompagni

GUIDED TOUR IN ITALIAN WITH VIOLINIST

Every Thursday evening in December 2023, 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Music at the Palace

Discover Palazzo Boncompagni in the evening with the beautiful soundtrack of Isabella Bui’s violin.

Premio Alberghini

CONCERT

Sunday, December 17, 2023, 11 a.m.

Alberghini Prize Concert

Palazzo Boncompagni is pleased to host the concert of the eighth edition of the Alberghini Prize, as part of the Domenica in musica festival curated by the Teatro Comunale di Bologna.