PALAZZO SPADA - GALLERIA SPADA
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The Spada Palace is famous for the semi-trompe-l'oeil perspective of its first courtyard.
The palace, begun in 1540 by Giulio Merisi, was redesigned by Borromini. It was intended for Cardinal Gerolamo Capodiferro (iron head). A century later, Cardinal Bernadino Spada acquired it. The latter modified it in depth, adding in particular a wing to house his collections of paintings and sculptures. In 1927, it became the property of the Italian State and now houses the Council of State. Only part of the palace can be visited by reservation, the part where the Spada family's art collections are installed.
Gallery in perspective of Borromini. The Spada Palace is best known for the semi-trompe l'oeil perspective of its first courtyard, a vaulted passage that is only 9 m long (appearing 30 m long). The architect managed to give the impression of a long gallery, by playing with perspective, reducing the dimensions of the columns and the width of the space according to a precise geometric calculation. The majestic statue, at the bottom, contributes to accentuate the sense of depth of the space. In reality, the statue is only 50 cm high. Through the 2nd courtyard, you can access the art gallery.
Spada Gallery. Located in the Spada Palace, the 4 rooms feature paintings and sculptures (17th century) of great interest: works by Titian, Guido Reni, Rubens, Orazio Gentileschi and his daughter, Artemisia, from Guerchin, but also lesser known masterpieces, such as the Allegory of the Massacre of the Innocents of Testa.
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