Take note: visiting the Enchanting Palazzo Altemps in a Nighttime Experience
Discover the Magic of This Historic Palace After Dark
Hello everyone! I’m excited to bring you back to one of my favorite places in Rome, Palazzo Altemps. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might remember one of my very first posts about this stunning palazzo. You can find that original post here.
But today, I want to revisit this architectural gem, this time showcasing its beauty and allure during the nighttime—a truly magical experience that I highly recommend.
Palazzo Altemps, a Renaissance palace located just a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, is home to one of Rome's most exquisite collections of classical sculptures. However, there’s something truly special about visiting this palazzo after dark, especially during the winter season when the evening hours offer a unique opportunity to experience its charm in a different light.
As night falls, the palazzo’s already impressive architecture takes on a new level of mystique. The interior courtyard, with its elegant arches and serene cloister, is beautifully illuminated, casting soft shadows that enhance the intricate details of the structure. The portico, which is a marvel during the day, becomes even more captivating when bathed in the gentle glow of evening lights.
But it’s not just the architecture that shines after dark. The collection of sculptures inside Palazzo Altemps, including masterpieces from ancient Rome and Greece, are beautifully lit to highlight their contours and craftsmanship.



The play of light and shadow brings these works to life in a way that daytime viewing simply cannot match. Wandering through the dimly lit rooms, you can’t help but feel transported to another era, surrounded by the echoes of history.


Palazzo Altemps is located just a short walk from Piazza Navona, making it an easy addition to any itinerary focused on the historic center of Rome. Here’s how to find it: from Piazza Navona, head north along Via di Sant’Apollinare. The palazzo is located at Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46, just a few minutes’ walk from the square.
If you’re in Rome during the winter, or any time when night falls early, I highly recommend visiting Palazzo Altemps after dark. You won't regret it.
And as always, if you want to use any of the photos from my visit, please remember to give credit to the author. Happy exploring!
How have I never done this?! It’s going to the top of my winter to-do list.
amazing... we both wrote about different Palazzi Altemps> yours in Rome, mine in Bassano in Teverina, where Cy Twombley's descendents have now made an artists' residence and exhibition space.