Piazza Farnese, Rome
Piazza Farnese is named for the Farnese family, an important Roman family during the Renaissance period. Alessandro Farnese, who became Pope Paul III in 1534, commissioned the construction of Palazzo Farnese in 1517.
Home to the French Embassy since 1874, it was closed to the public, except for prebooked tours in French and Italian, until last spring. Tours in English are now being offered on Wednesdays, but you must book a week in advance.
Why go to Palazzo Farnese? Here’s one good reason – Palazzo Farnese houses what is considered one of the finest fresco cycles, comparable only to the Sistine Chapel! The frescoes which can be seen in the Carracci Gallery, are described as blending the transition from Mannerism to Baroque. Definitely on my list of things to see next time in Rome, along with Bernini’s angels on the Ponte San’Angelo.
More information on booking a tour can be found here.
Adventures of a Carry-on 
That is a must see place. Beautiful with a rich history.
I agree! 🙂
That would definitely be a good place to visit – thanks for the information Penny!
It’s on my list now. Though I believe now the main gallery the Carracci gallery is closed but some other galleries that have not been open before are were also done by Carracci are open? It just opened and now they are doing some renovations. Those dang french! 🙂
The frescoes sound wonderful — and the photograph is charming.
I can’t believe I’ve never been in here but then again, they’ve never offered tours in English before. I will later this year!
gorgeous colors! wow!
I love finding these hidden gems!