This place is amazing- but the timing is weird. They're open on Saturday- and in December, when we…read morewere there, for just a few hours. I actually got to the gift shop before the museum closed, but they were counting the money and would not sell me the book I wanted- so shop first, maybe, just in case.
The interior is stunning- and DO get a guide. Ours was Massimo and he was excellent. His English was superb, and he was one of the best guides we had in Rome.
The collection is eclectic and outstanding- as is the architecture. As you walk through this place you can't help thinking- it must be great to be this rich. The family still live in another wing, or adjoining building. We did not see the gardens- and it turns out we would not have had time, but we did see the collection and the Prince's Apartments. There's an Egyptian temple in the garden- so it sounds like that would be worth seeing. It wasn't cheap- for the two of us it was 50 euro, 25 each, but it was worth it- and the family has certainly done wonderful restoration work. Kudos to them for amassing these works and keeping them safe for generations to enjoy.
Do make sure you note all the gorgeous crystal and Venetian glass chandeliers! They are so beautiful. And the works of art are too numerous to list here- but the Bruegels were a favorite of mine as were the fabulous cabinets- one of hardstones and one of ebony and ivory- and OMG, the entrance hall. Way to stun your guests- which was the intention.
The Bean Eater is one of my favorite paintings, as well as the angels in one room- which I think the guide said were of the Raphaelite school. But there are so many wonderful paintings here- many brought in a marriage bargain! And you will love the stories. I have great sympathy for the woman who loved the court of Louis XIV, but had to come to Rome for a marriage, had 3 children, and then ran off trying to get back to France. I guess she was confined twice in a nunnery (escaped the first time.) You'll see her statue. And you'll also see modern pictures of the family- which is quite nice.
This was a highlight of our trip- and so unexpected! Pay the money and see it- truly, it is worth it. It's simply astounding what hundreds of years of money can buy!
