Quirinal Palace: visiting the Italian president's residence

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Quirinal Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale), on the highest of Rome's seven hills, is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Begun in 1583 under Gregory XIII, it was a residence of the popes, then the palace of the kings of Italy from 1871 to 1946. The interior can be visited by compulsory online booking: the route leads to the grand staircase, the state rooms and the Pauline Chapel; other routes open the gardens. Allow about an hour and a half. Days, hours and routes change with the season, and sources do not agree: check them on the Quirinal's official booking site before planning.

Highlights

Piazza del Quirinale

A large esplanade lined by the palace, with the Fountain of the Dioscuri and its obelisk. It opens onto a panorama with the dome of St Peter's in the distance. The palace's guard of honour is posted here.

The top of the façade

The palace is crowned with statues and coats of arms: two angels flank the arms above the façade, visible from the square, especially in the evening when they are lit.

The interior

The artistic and institutional route passes through the courtyard of honour, the ground floor, the piano nobile and the imperial apartments: grand staircase, the Corazzieri Hall, the Pauline Chapel and decorated reception rooms.

The gardens and the carriages

A thematic route presents the gardens, the carriages and the palace's tableware; it is paid.

Practical info

Tips

The interior visit is free, with a small booking fee (about €1.50 according to a third-party guide, to be confirmed on the official site); the thematic route is paid (about €10 according to the same sources). Book at least 5 days ahead, online or by phone; slots go fast. Bring valid photo ID, arrive 15 minutes before your time and expect a security check. If you cannot find a slot, Piazza del Quirinale remains open to all. For the rest of the neighbourhood, read Trevi and the Quirinal: a guide to the fountain's neighbourhood.

How to get there

Piazza del Quirinale, 00187 Rome. Metro line A, Barberini station, 10 minutes' walk; the Trevi Fountain is 5 minutes away on foot. The visit combines well with the Palazzo Barberini.