Palazzo Odescalchi stands in Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, opposite the basilica, in Rome’s historic center. Its Baroque façade and porticoed courtyard reflect work by Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The palace passed through the hands of the Colonna, Ludovisi, Chigi and Odescalchi families, and its art collection includes a version of Caravaggio’s Conversion of Saint Paul. Interior access is not always available, but the exterior offers a close look at the building’s architectural details.
A palace passed between Roman families
The building took shape in the first half of the 17th century. It first belonged to the Colonna family, then passed to the Ludovisi in 1622. Carlo Maderno carried out renovations during the Ludovisi period. The Chigi acquired the palace in 1661 and commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to alter it around 1665.
The Odescalchi family bought it in 1745. They brought in Niccolò Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli for an expansion. A fire later led to the façade being rebuilt toward the end of the 19th century; Baroque elements from Bernini’s design remain visible.
The courtyard and the art collection
Two portals lead into the porticoed courtyard designed by Maderno, where statues stand beneath the covered walkways. Each portal has a wooden, coffered door set under a rounded arch, with columns framing the entrance. Above, a balustraded balcony and a window with a broken curved pediment carry the Chigi family’s coat of arms.
The Odescalchi also built an art collection. Its best-known work is a version of Caravaggio’s Conversion of Saint Paul, painted around 1600 to 1601 and inherited by the family. It is known as the Caravaggio Odescalchi to distinguish it from the other version, which is on public display in a chapel. Access to the palace’s interior rooms can be limited, so check for an opening or event if seeing the collection is your priority.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Palazzo Odescalchi?
It is at Piazza dei Santi Apostoli 80 in Rome’s historic center, opposite the Basilica of the Santi Apostoli.
Can you visit the interior of Palazzo Odescalchi?
Interior access is not always available. Check for scheduled openings or events before you go.
What is the Caravaggio Odescalchi?
It is a version of Caravaggio’s Conversion of Saint Paul, painted around 1600 to 1601 and held in the Odescalchi family collection.
