Among various churches and monuments, we sometimes forget how the city of Rome has always been a favorite destination for noble families of various types, social backgrounds or geographical origins who, over the centuries, came to live right here, in the Eternal City. Reason? Simply because it was in Rome that the doors of important politics and economics opened, with the most powerful men of the time who preferred to come here, in close contact with the pontiffs and their temporal power, just as it was here that, more that in other realities, that art lovers or merchants could enjoy the work of numerous artists, minors or masters, who worked here thanks also to the numerous commissions available. There are numerous examples, such as Palazzo Massimo Istoriato. And not far from here stands another interesting noble palace that is worth visiting for many reasons.

In this case I would like, as a local tour guide, to bring to your attention Palazzo Patrizi, historic residence in the Sant'Eustachio district of the Patrizi family, of Sienese origins. Tuscany certainly gave birth to as many illustrious and aristocratic families who made their fortune in Rome, such as the Borghese or, above all, the Medici. Precisely in this district there is a building with the Medici coat of arms clearly visible, as you can read here. Returning, however, to Palazzo Patrizi, it is interesting to know how the building was built by Giacomo della Porta on commission from a member of the Aldobrandini family, and only in 1642 was the building bought by the Patrizi marquises. The architect's name makes it clear how important it was to erect a building here, in an area between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, which attracted numerous noble families more, and better, than other Roman neighborhoods. Great art lovers and extraordinary collectors, over the years the Patrizi family embellished their golden home with beautiful furniture and furnishings and, above all, with extraordinary works of art. To be clear, in the family's private collection a Caravaggio or a Mola also stood out. The 16th and 17th century halls, the very fine porcelain and the historic furniture are truly breathtaking, for a historical experience that I recommend. Among other things, today, access to the noble palace is permitted upon reservation and, an added bonus, the host will act as a guide!

Being able to enter what, to all intents and purposes, can be considered a sort of Roman living room can help us better understand the atmosphere that reigned in the elite of Roman society, especially the seventeenth and eighteenth century ones, when the most important noble families competed to show off their opulence and wealth. The organization of events, even private ones, enriched by musicians or poets, and embellished by the extraordinary collections of works of art that today enrich museums around the world, was the preferred way to exercise power, and one's influence, in the Roman society . Here at Palazzo Patrizi , therefore, you enter to breathe a little of the high-class air typical of the good Rome of past centuries, a worldly Eternal City which, certainly, contributed to making the city a priceless place.