The Quirinal Palace – A Long-Awaited Visit to Italy’s Presidential Residence

One of the most fascinating places in Rome, finally discovered

There are visits you dream about for years, and for me, the Quirinal Palace was one of them. Every time I walked past its majestic facade, I promised myself, “Next time, I’ll go in.” Well, I finally did—and let me tell you, it was worth every moment of the wait.

The funny thing? It’s actually very easy to visit. All you have to do is book your ticket on the official website, and the entrance fee is symbolic—just €2.50, which basically covers the reservation cost. That’s it. For a place this rich in history, art, and architecture, it’s an absolute steal. The only catch is: you need to book well in advance! Slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

The Quirinal Palace has stood at the top of the Quirinal Hill—the highest of Rome’s seven hills—since 1583. It was originally built as a summer residence for the Popes, then became the home of the Kings of Italy after the unification, and today it serves as the official residence of the President of the Republic. So yes, this place has seen a lot of history.

From the outside, the building is elegant and somewhat austere, with its long cream-colored facade, symmetrical windows, and the beautiful Piazza del Quirinale in front, where the statues of Castor and Pollux watch over the city. The view from here is spectacular—Rome spreads out in every direction, with domes and rooftops glowing under the sun.

Stepping inside the palace is like walking through a living museum. The rooms are breathtaking—each one more ornate and richly decorated than the last. You’ll walk through grand halls, majestic staircases, frescoed ceilings, and rooms that once hosted popes and kings.

The Hall of Mirrors, the Pauline Chapel (which rivals many Roman churches), and the sumptuous Ballroom are true highlights.

The palace also houses rotating exhibitions, depending on the time of year, and the Presidential Guards add a sense of solemnity and grandeur to the visit.

But beyond the beauty, what truly moved me was the feeling of walking through rooms where history has quite literally happened. These are the same halls where world leaders have been welcomed, where heads of state have sat for formal dinners and signed important agreements.

You can visit the rooms used for state banquets, the elegant reception areas for bilateral meetings, and even see the President’s personal study—a quiet, solemn room where decisions that shape the country are made.

There’s something powerful about being in these spaces. The decor is magnificent, yes, but it's the weight of the moments that have taken place there that gives each room a quiet intensity. I couldn’t help but imagine the echoes of conversations, the clinking of glasses during a toast, the press of important footsteps on centuries-old floors.

The Quirinal Palace is located right in the heart of Rome, at Piazza del Quirinale. You can easily reach it on foot from the Trevi Fountain or via metro (the Barberini stop on Line A is the closest, about a 10-minute walk). If you're exploring Rome’s historic center, this makes for a perfect stop on your itinerary.

The Quirinal Palace is a MUST. It’s a place that quietly holds centuries of Italian—and European—heritage behind its stately walls: don’t wait as long as I did. Book early, and go!

You will me thank me later.

As always, if you want to use any of the photos from my visit, please remember to give credit to the author. Happy exploring!