Palazzo Nardini in Rome: From Renaissance to Abandonment, Toward Rebirth
The Renaissance Palazzo Nardini, constructed in Rome from 1473 to 1479, is currently being restored, with completion anticipated in 2025. Cardinal Stefano Nardini commissioned the palace to showcase his prominence during Pope Paul II's reign, featuring an impressive entrance and the Nardini family crest. In 1480, it transitioned to the Collegio Nardini following a donation by Nardini. Acquired by Pope Urban VIII in 1624, the building later functioned as Italy's criminal court and served multiple roles, including an educational facility and an air-raid shelter during World War II. After being abandoned in 1957, it was occupied by the Women's Liberation Movement from 1976 to 1984. A private restoration effort has uncovered a fresco by Professor Antonio Forcellino.
Key facts
- Palazzo Nardini was built between 1473 and 1479 behind Piazza Navona in Rome.
- Cardinal Stefano Nardini commissioned the palace, serving as Governor of Rome from 1471.
- The palace portal features diamond-point ashlars, palmettes, and the Nardini coat of arms, possibly by Baccio Pontelli.
- In 1480, Nardini donated the palace to the Archconfraternity of the Hospital of the Savior.
- From 1624 to 1755, it housed the Governorate of Rome; after 1755 it was called Palazzo del Governo Vecchio.
- From 1976 to 1984, it was occupied by the Women's Liberation Movement as Casa Internazionale delle Donne.
- The palace was purchased by the Lazio Region in 2003 and protected by the Soprintendenza.
- A conservative restoration project is underway, expected to conclude in 2025, with a fresco of the Feast of Belshazzar discovered by Antonio Forcellino.
Entities
Artists
- Ettore Roesler Franz
- Jan Miel
- Federico Fellini
- Baccio Pontelli
- Antonio Forcellino
- Paul Letarouilly
- Francesco Vespignani
Institutions
- Arciconfraternita Ospedaliera del Salvatore al Laterano
- Camera Apostolica
- Governatorato di Roma
- Pretura penale del Regno d'Italia
- Educatorio femminile Vittoria Colonna
- Casa Internazionale delle Donne
- Regione Lazio
- Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Roma
- Soprintendenza speciale di Roma
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Piazza Navona
- Via Papalis
- Vatican
- Lateran
- Via del Governo Vecchio
- Via di Parione
- Palazzo Madama
- Piazzale Clodio
- Aswan
- Egypt