Overlooking Piazza del Quirinale, this immense palace is the official residence of Italy’s head of state, the Presidente della Repubblica. For almost three centuries it was the pope’s summer residence, but in 1870 Pope Pius IX begrudgingly handed the keys over to Italy’s new king. Later, in 1948, it was given to the Italian state.
You can visit by booking at least five days ahead; the shorter tour visits the sumputous reception rooms, while the longer tour includes the interiors as well as the gardens and the carriages. On the other side of the piazza, the palace’s former stables, the Scuderie Papali al Quirinale , host excellent art exhibitions.
