Palazzo Colonna (Colonna Palace): Ann meets the Press, Rome

The Colonna Palace is a vast palatial complex and one of the grandest private residences in Rome. It has been in the possession of the Colonna family for over twenty generations. The palace's origins date back to the 13th century, and it is said to have hosted Dante during his time in Rome. Historically, the palace was first recorded as the residence of Cardinals Giovanni and Giacomo Colonna and later housed Cardinal Oddone Colonna, who became Pope Martin V in 1417.

Despite the 1527 Sack of Rome, the property remained unharmed and underwent significant renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. A small bridge over Via della Pilotta connects the palace to its gardens. While still serving as a private residence for members of the Colonna family, it is open to the public on Saturday mornings or by guided tours on Friday mornings.

The Colonna Gallery, completed in 1703, is the palace's most opulent feature. Its ceiling fresco, depicting the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, commemorates the victory of Marcantonio II of Colonna. The gallery boasts an extraordinary collection of works by renowned artists such as Poussin, Tintoretto, Veronese, and many others. Among its many treasures is Annibale Carracci’s "The Beaneater", which captures a strikingly naturalistic image of a common man mid-meal. At one end of the gallery stands a red marble column, representing the Colonna family’s emblem.

The Colonna Palace has also made its mark in popular culture. The final scene of the 1953 film Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, was shot in the Sala Grande, where Princess Ann delivers her farewell speech. The poignant closing scene shows Gregory Peck walking through the grand hall, his solitary figure echoing against the towering walls adorned with multiple levels of paintings.

Visitors can explore the palace through guided tours in English, included in the entrance fee, making it easier to appreciate the extensive collection of artwork featuring madonnas, saints, popes, and cardinals. To round off the experience, the gallery café with a terrace provides a charming spot to relax and admire the breathtaking surroundings.