Palazzo Bonaparte

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Maria Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon's mother, lived in the palace in near-total seclusion after her son's exile to St. Helena.

2. 2

   The distinctive green balcony was enclosed by Napoleon's mother to discreetly watch the Roman street life below without being seen.

3. 3

   The palace was once owned by the D'Aste family before it was acquired by the Bonapartes in the 19th century.

4. 4

   The building stands on the site of the former Palazzo d'Aste, which underwent significant architectural revisions in the 1660s.

5. 5

   The mansion features a monumental staircase and gilded ceilings that reflect the transition between late Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

Overview

Palazzo Bonaparte is a 17th-century Baroque mansion situated at the corner of Piazza Venezia and Via del Corso in Rome. It served as the residence of Maria Letizia Ramolino, the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, from 1818 until her death in 1836. The building was designed by architect Giovanni Antonio De Rossi and is characterized by its prominent green-shuttered balcony, known as the 'loggino,' from which the Bonaparte family observed city life. Following extensive restoration, it now functions as a major exhibition space for temporary fine art collections. The interiors retain remnants of 18th-century stucco and frescoes alongside modern display infrastructure. It operates under the management of Arthemisia, a private cultural organization specializing in international art exhibitions. The venue hosts rotating monographic shows featuring works from major global museums.

Insider tips

• Book exhibition tickets online in advance to skip the entry queue, as the building's limited capacity leads to frequent sell-outs.

• Allocate time for the audio guide if available, as it provides specific historical context regarding the Bonaparte family's life in the palace.