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Galleria Doria Pamphilj

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Shetraveler
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Galleria Doria Pamphilj

  • January 29, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Shetraveler from Campbell, California
Galleria Doria Pamphilj

The lines at the Vatican Museum wind around to St. Peter's Basilica, and you have a jones for some serious art. Another private collection is waiting for you at the not oft-visited Galleria Doria Pamphilj. Housed in a palazzo with an unassuming facade (enter on the Via Del Corso), the interior was designed to imitate a tiny Versailles (yes, there is a tiny Hall of Mirrors). However, it won't be the furniture that impresses you. Rather the sheer number of portaits, still lifes, paintings, and sculptures in this jam-packed collection is actually quite impressive. It includes several important pieces, like a couple of early Caravaggios ("Rest on the Flight into Egypt" and "The Penitent Magdalene").

You may almost have the entire building to yourself (indeed, we could hear our own footsteps on the parquet floor!). Be sure to take the audio tour narrated by the current Doria Pamphilj prince (Jonathan Pamphilj) in a tone that sounds like a petulant British boarding school boy (sounds a bit like Richard Branson). The fun part is that he'll go into particular memories of growing up in this old palace (you'll hear the story of he and his sister roller skating on the freshly waxed floors!).

Big ticket items include Velazquez' portrait and Bernini's bust of Pope Innocent X (Jonathan's great-great-granduncle, but who's counting?). You can tell it helps having a Pope in the family. By the way, the Gallery doesn't close for siesta, so that's another alternative (to napping!).

http://www.doriapamphilj.it

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