The 'Palazzo Chigi' is a palace or noble residence in
Rome, overlooking the
Piazza Colonna and the
Corso. It was begun in 1562 by
Giacomo della Porta and completed by
Carlo Maderno in 1580 for the
Aldobrandini family. In 1659 it was purchased by the
Chigi family.
[1] It was then remodelled by
Felice della Greca and
Giovan Battista Contini. It has five floors, a broad stairway that leads to the living rooms, and a courtyard decorated with a fountain, designed by Giacomo della Porta. The fountain has been copied in many sites in Rome and other Italian cities.
[2]
In 1878 it became the residence of the
Austria-Hungarian Ambassador to
Italy. 1916 it was bought by the Italian state and it became the seat of the Minister for Colonial Affairs. Later it was the official residence of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1961 it became the official meeting place of 'Council of Ministers' whose
President is the Italian Prime Minister.
External links
★
History of Palazzo Chigi, Website of the Italian government
Notes
1. Palaces, Villas and Gardens
2. Piazza Colonna Roberto Piperno