Barberini Palace Tours

Palazzo Barberini is a 17th century palace in Rome, Italy that now holds the National Gallery of Ancient Art. The museum contains an impressive collection of paintings and is a good alternative to some of the more popular and crowded art museums in the city. One of the paintings you can see here is Raphael's La Fornarina, which is a portrait of his lover, a baker's daughter. Also found here are Hans Holbein's portrait of King Henry VIII, Guido Reni's portrait of Beatrice Cenci who was beheaded for patricide in 1599, and Caravaggi's realistic portrayal of Judith beheading Holofernes. 
Another big draw for this museum is the palace's Gran Salone. The ceiling of this huge ballroom was painted in 1630 by Pietro da Cortona, a master of Roman Baroque. The painting shows the Glorification of Urban VIII's Reign which includes a group of huge Barberini bees, the heraldic family symbol. There is a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. 

Practical Info

Barberini Palace is located at Via delle Quattro Fontane 13 and can be reached from the Barberini metro station on the A line. Opening hours are 8:30am to 7pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is 7 euros.