Palazzetto Book LivingInside 09 03

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chapter i • introduction • 

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By 

Giacomo Della Porta (1533 - 1602)

“Ciò che era accaduto nella grande epoca 

della Penisola Ellenica accadde di nuovo 

nell’Italia del Rinascimento. La liberazione 

dalle catene rese gli individui energici e 

creativi, producendo una rara fioritura di geni’’ 

- Bertand Russell

view of palazzetto designed by giacomo della porta, from piazza capizucchi 

view of st. peter’s dome (finished by giacomo della porta) from the interior


I 

introduction


Rome: 

The World’s 

Great Beauty 

introduction 

History, Culture, Human Genius and beautiful landscape have 

united to make Rome one of the important cities in the world. 

Founded around 753 BC, it was the center and the most powerful 

city of Western Civilization, ruling all the Mediterranean, Northern 

Africa, England and parts of the Middle East. It became a worldwide 

center of pilgrimage, and later in the Renaissance, as the city became 

a major European capital of the arts, education, philosophy and 

trade, it became an important crossroads for bankers, artists and 

philosophers. 

Rome, the Eternal City, today is one of the most important 

tourist destinations of the world, due to the vast concentration of 

archaeological and art treasures as-well-as the charms of unique 

traditions, the beautiful panoramic views and the grandeur of the 

magnificent “villas” (parks). Nestled around the City’s significant 

resources are plenty of museums, aqueducts, fountains, churches, 

palaces, historical buildings, the monuments and ruins of the Roman 

Forum, and the Catacombs.

view of rome from the rooftop terrace looking towards st. peter’s basilica


Rione Campitelli: 

The Neighborhood 

introduction 

The Palazzetto of the Palazzo Albertoni Spinola is located in Rome, 

in the historic Rione Campitelli. The small and prestigious size of the 

area and, above all, its richness of prominent archaeological sites 

and museums, make it one of most desired places to live in Rome. 

The coat of arms of the district bears a black head of a dragon against 

a white background. The coat of arms is believed to go back to a 

medieval legend of an evil monster which in the fourth century was 

a threat to the Roman Forum until it was driven out through the 

intervention of Pope Sylvester I. 

The origin of the name of the district Campitelli, according to local 

belief, comes from Capitolium Hill, the highest of the Seven Hills 

of Rome which on top of there stood the most important ancient 

roman temple (dedicated to the worship of the triad of Jupiter, Juno 

and Minerva). 

Within this district is the piazza del Campidoglio (Capitolium) which 

is still considered, as it was two millennia ago, to be the geographical 

center of Rome, the reference point to count all road distances with 

respect to the city. 

Additionally, the District of Campitelli, and specifically the 

Palazzetto, are centrally located between the Coliseum, the Vatican 

City, the Spanish Steps, the Tiber River and other significant 

historical monuments and locations.

image of the neighborhood 

neighborhood

II 

location map

the view of the altar of fatherland from the rooftop terrace of the palazzetto

13 

4 

25 

5 

2 

19 

22 

20 

Vatican - 15 minutes 

10 

18 

23 

9 

12 

17 

3 

21 

24 

28 

15 

16 

26 

6 

11 

14 

27

1 

8 

7 

points of interest 

Palazzetto 

1. Colosseum 

2. Vatican City 

3. Theater of Marcellus 

4. Pantheon 

5. Eliseo Theater 

6. Palatine Museum 

7. Brancaccio Theater 

8. The Basilica of St. Sylvester 

9. Trajan’s Forum 

10. Square of Gesú 

11. Circus Maximus 

12. Altar of the Fatherland 

13. Navona Square 

14. Baths of Septimius Severus 

15. Farnese Gardens 

16. Arch of Constantine 

17. The Turtle Fountain 

18. Theater Argentina 

19. Museum of Rome 

20. Gloria Pamphilj Gallery 

21. Roman Forum 

22. St. Mary above Minerva 

23. Venezia Square 

24. Arch of Titus 

25. St. Andrew of Quirinal 

26. St. Cecilia in Trastevere 

27. Ministry of Cultural Heritage 

28. Basilica of St.Mary in Trastevere

III 

palazzo albertoni spinola: a history

chapter ii • palazzo albertoni spinola: a history • chapter ii • palazzo albertoni spinola: a history • 

Palazzo 

Albertoni Spinola 

In fact, in 1603 Knight Baldassarre Paluzzi Albertoni requested a permit to build the 

new facade, widening the area of the existing property towards the square and aligning 

the new wall with the corner of the adjacent Capizucchi palace. In 1616 he required an 

additional permit to construct, over the back door of his palace and over the alley, an 

archway to allow passage to his “nearest neighbors” who were carrying out further 

restructuring at that time (this is the archway built in the back, in the outside of the 

building, at the height of the first floor). 

The Palace, which remained in the hands of the offspring of the Altieri Family for 

more than a century, was elevated with a fourth floor on top of the attic, and was sold 

around 1808 by Prince Paluzzo Altieri to a famous Spanish general, Manuel Godoy y 

Alvares de Faria Ríos Sánchez Zarzosa, prince of Paz de Basano (1767-1851). Somewhat 

later, the building was handed over to Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca (1756-1844) who lived 

there from time to time at least from 1819. After Pacca’s death, the Palace remained for 

fifty years with his grandchildren who rented parts of it out to their acquaintances 

including cardinals Giacomo Piccolomini and Giacomo Antonelli. 

history 

The Albertoni Spinola Palace, with an entrance in Campitelli square at n. 2, is located 

in the 10th District of Rione Campitelli. The facade of the Palace, facing the piazza 

Campitelli, was built between 1603, and the years immediately following, with some 

interventions in late 1616. The work was commissioned by Marquis Baldassarre Paluzzi 

Albertoni to Giacomo della Porta (ca. 1540-1602), in an area likely to be rebuilt between 

the buildings De Rossi (later Cavalletti) and Capizucchi. 

The work of Della Porta involved the project and the construction of the bearing 

structures and the internal partitions of the big building, in the years between 1560 

and 1580. Partcularly the project, that archiect Rainaldi finished after Della Porta 

death, caused: 

A)the architectural integration of the new construction into the ancient preexisting 

Palazzetto, allowing this unit to extend and merge into the new construction 

without being able to recognize that you are in one side or in the other part of the 

Palazzo; 

B) the preservation of direct view of the entry of Santa Maria (which is 

the Campitelli Church located in front of the Palazzo Albertoni Spinola) from the 

original door of the Palazzetto, despite having built the great Palazzo in front of what 

pre-existed building. In fact, the entrance gallery of the building forms a diagonal 

connection between the square and the inner courtyard; 

C)the use of the old roof secret garden of the Palazzetto from the first floor of the 

Palazzo, making this unit a unique property of its kind. 

Thereafter, in 1886, the building was sold by the descendants of Pacca to Countess 

Carolina Portalupi (1852-1891) who restored it. Subsequently, the Countess left the 

Palace to her direct descendants, Genoese Marquis Spinola, Maria Antonietta and 

Bonifacio. Maria Antonietta Spinola was later to marry the well-known politician 

Mario Cingolani (1883- 1971), while Bonifacio Spinola married his second cousin, 

countess Marina Baldeschi (1895-1983)]. 

history

IV 

ancestors, saints & heroes

chapter vii • ownership • chapter vii • ownership • 

Spinola Family 

ancestors 

Spinola family is one of the most ancient and important Genoese 

families, that dominated the history of Genoa, Italy, during the citystate’s 

great period, from the 12th to the 14th century. The Spinolas 

furnished many consuls to the aristocratic “consular” commune of 

12th century. 

The Spinolas distinguished themselves as soldiers, prelates, 

ambassadors, saints, heroes and literary persons with family 

members connections within the Vatican. 

ancestors 

tomb of pope benedict xv at st. peter’s basilica

chapter vii • ownership • chapter vii • ownership • 

Pope benedict xv 

ancestors 

Matilde di canossa 

Matilde of Canossa (1046 – 24 july 

1115), was a powerful feudal lady 

in northern Italy and the chief 

Italian supporter of Pope Gregory VII 

during the investiture controversy. 

In addition, she was one of the few 

medieval women to be remembered 

for her military accomplishments, 

which allowed her dominion over all 

the territories north of the church states. 

Charles spinola 

Blessed Charles Spinola (1564 – 10 

September 1622), also known as Carlo 

Spinola, was a Jesuit missionary 

from Genoa, martyred in Japan as a 

missionary. 

Gianluca spinola 

Gianluca Spinola was an Italian 

partisan, descended from a noble 

family of Genoa, who was shot by 

the Germans at the end of World 

War II. He volunteered in the 

resistance for the liberation of Italy 

and attacked overwhelming German 

forces at Castel s. Giminiano. He was 

surrounded and taken prisoner on 

the 2nd of June, and was killed on the 

14th of June 1944. 

Pope Benedict xv (21 November 1854 

– 22 January 1922), born Giacomo 

Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, 

cousin of Maria Antonietta Spinola, 

was Pope from September 3, 1914 

to his death in 1922. His pontificate 

was largely overshadowed by World 

War I and its political, social, and 

humanitarian consequences in Europe. 

ancestors

V 

architecture & art

chapter iii • architecture & art • 

The Great Architect 

Giacomo Della Porta 

architecture 

Giacomo Della Porta (c. 1533 – 1602) was one of the most important Italian architects 

and sculptors, who worked on many important buildings in Rome including St. Peter’s 

Basilica. He was born at Porlezza, Lombardy, and died in Rome. 

Della Porta was influenced by and collaborated with Michelangelo, and Giacomo Barozzi 

da Vignola, his teacher of architecture. After 1563 he carried out Michelangelo’s plans 

for the rebuilding of the Campidoglio or Capitoline Hill’s open spaces by completing 

the facade and steps of Palazzo Senatorio, and the Cordonata Capitolina (the ramped 

steps up to the piazza del Campidoglio). 

After the death of Vignola in 1573, Della Porta continued the construction of il Gesù, 

the mother church of the Jesuit order, and in 1584 modified its façade after his own 

designs. 

From 1573 he was in charge of the ongoing construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, and later, 

in collaboration with Domenico Fontana, completed Michelangelo’s dome between 

1588-1590. 

The genial imprint of Giacomo della Porta on the project of Palazzo Albertoni Spinola is 

revealed firstly through the integration of the two units that enables the ancient 

Palazzetto to extend into the new construction seamlessly; second in the creation of 

view perspective from the entrance of the ancient building to Santa Maria in Campitelli 

Church, through the diagonal trend in the new courtyard of Palazzo and third with 

the enjoyment of the Palazzetto secret garden even from the new Palazzo first floor. 

view of the monumental stairs

example of the palazzetto’s workmanship showing mouldings, metal works, marble floor and hand-crafted door against the monumental stairs

chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art • 

Plaster Lions 

Mouldings 

architecture 

architecture 

Lion motifs are scattered throughout the property, 

and are prominently featured over many doorways and thresholds 

Beautiful sculptural mouldings line the ceilings of the palace 

with floral and maritime motifs


Metal Works 

Flooring 

architecture 

architecture 

Exquisitely crafted iron and bronze works can be found 

everywhere inside and outside the property 

Glass mosaics, marble, stone, and wood create gorgeous flooring 

surfaces in every room and space of the palace


Sculptures 

In the Palace, there is still a small collection of six portrayed sculpted 

heads, one in the entrance hall past the courtyard and the other 

five over the stairs, which were part of the collection of the Paluzzi 

Albertoni family, collectors of ancient artwork. 

art 

In the 1600s, the Paluzzi Albertoni pieces were merged with the 

remarkable Altieri collection, enriching the family mansion and 

other properties including villas on the Esquilino and at Porta Salaria. 

The busts currently residing in the Albertoni Spinola palace include 

two ancient marble heads, one of a young woman and one of 

Antinous (mended in part); another ancient marble head, a Priest 

of Isis (reworked in the Renaissance era as a portrait of Publius 

Cornelius Scipio Africanus); two marble portraits reconstructed 

during the Renaissance era, one of Julius Caesar and another 

probably of Hesiod or Zeno of Elea; and a plaster cast of the head 

of Julius Caesar taken from the statue preserved in the 

senatorial palace on the Capitoline Hi 

marble bust of publius scipio africanus in the palazzetto


Marble Bust 

Marble Bust 

art 

art 

Bust of a priest of Isis reworked 

as “Publius Scipio Africanus” 

Greek poet Hesiod 

or philosopher Zeno of Elea.


Marble Bust 

Marble Bust 

art 

art 

Bust of Antinous 

Bust of Julius Caesar


Frescoes 

There are numerous frescoes located throughout the Palazzetto. 

art 

One is located in the Little Chapel, one is located at the Management 

Office within the common area and two are located in the amenities 

areas of the Ambassador and Executive suites. 

The significance of these art pieces make this property unique and 

one of a kind. 

detail of the fresco of the little chapel, located within the palazzetto


Little Chapel Fresco 

art 

art 

Different perspective views of the unique art painting of the Little Chapel. 

The entrance to the Chapel is through a door located off the spiral staircase 

which leads to the Rooftop Terrace.


Dome Fresco 

Dome Fresco 

art 

art 

The Dome Fresco located on the ceiling within the common areas of the Palazzetto


Fresco 

Fresco 

art 

art

stunning view from the rooftop terrace

chapter iv • location map & lifestyle • 

VI 

palazzetto suites

Rooftop 

Elevation Map 

& Connections 

The masterpiece of architectural integration 

by Giacomo della Porta 

Three independent, luxury suites each equipped with fitness, 

wellness, and relaxation areas. The three residences will be equipped 

with shared security services, an office and a movie theatre for 

private screenings. 

Second/Mezzanine Floor 

Although the suites have shared common amenities, they are still 

independent. They may be accessed by different entrances, either 

through the main monumental staircase, or from Capizucchi alley 

via from Capizucchi square, or from the entrance hall on the ground 

floor of the Palazzo using the spiral staircase that starts right at that 

entrance. 

First Floor 

On the Ground Floor of the Palazzetto you have shared Common 

Areas: the office, theater, concierge, security and private parking. 

Also on the ground floor are the private gym and wellness of the 

Garden Suite, private gym and wellness of the Ambassador and 

Executive Suites. 

The Garden Suite is located on the first floor of the Palazzetto. The 

entrance is on the first landing area of the monumental staircase. 

The private service entrance is located on the ground floor off the 

Capizucchi alley. 

Ground Floor 

The Ambassador and Executive Suites are located on the second/ 

mezzanine floor. The entrances are on the second landing of the 

monumental staircase but are separate from each other. The private 

service entrance is off the spiral staircase originating from the 

ground floor. 

common areas 

garden suite 

ambassador suite 

The rooftop Terrace is located on the roof of the Palazzetto, and it is 

considered an exclusive amenity for the Ambassador and Executive 

Suite. 

executive suite 

rooftop terrace (exclusive amenity) 

exclusive amenities


common areas 

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the view perspective on santa maria in campitelli church from palazzetto doorway

common areas 

Private Entrance: A motor-vehicle entry way is located on the ground floor, an access from Capizucchi square. 

This large space is 114 m2 (1,227 sq. ft.). It consists of a central space connected to the services with marble floors, 

vaulted ceilings and a beautiful double wood entry door. 

Entertainment Area: This area is 92 m2 (990 sq. ft.) includes a Theater, Lounge and a Game Area. It is located on 

the ground floor with two entry doors from the entrance hall. The lower level of the Entertainment area has 

three additional rooms with a bathroom. 

Management Office: A stunning frescoed ground floor unit with a single entry door from the entrance hall. This 

unit has 32 m2 (344 sq. f.t). It is a single room with a recently restored fresco at the center of the ceiling and has 

travertine floors. 

T 

theater 

4 F 

Piazza Capizucchi 

3 F 

2 F / M 

entertainment 

area 

1 F 

G 

business 

private 

entrance 

Piazza Campitelli

the monumental stairs

entrance to the business office 

fresco on the cieling of the business office

garden suite 

main door of the garden suite 

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garden suite 

A prestigious Garden suite is on the first floor of the Palazzetto with entrances on the first floor of the monumental staircase, and a separate private service entrance from Capizucchi alley. The suite extends over three levels connected by a circular 

staircase. 

The first level consists of an entrance hall, three living rooms, a dining room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a hallway. The garden is accessed from the living room, the dining room, and from the lower level kitchen. The living room has a 

central fireplace which is covered, on its outer part, with pinewood. 

The lush garden is a total of over 177.65 m2 (1912 sqft). 

The ceilings of the entrance are made of walnut wood, painted in light green and cream colors. The ceiling is decorated with simple relief patterns. The ceilings of the living rooms and the large bedroom with floor to ceiling windows, overlooking 

Capizucchi square, are made of walnut and maple with cornices adorned with embossed inlay imitations of roses and golden coats-of-arms. The hallway, on the other hand, has a false ceiling, which hides a decoration similar to the one present in the 

passage room. 

The intermediate level is between the first floor and the ground floor. The intermediate level consists of the kitchen, a working room, a utility bedroom, a pantry and a closet. 

Finally, there is a pantry room on the ground floor with a small bathroom and another utility room where there is an access to the Gym and the Wellness area. 

The photos of the rooms have been photo altered to show new interior design concepts. 

T 

4 F 


3 F 

2 F / M 

H= 3.63 

wellness 

room 

1 F 

gym 

Ground Level (G) ˇ 

G 

H= 3.00 

master 

bedroom 

bedroom 

closet 

living 

room 

bathroom 

lounge 

entrance 

Piazza Campitelli 

dining 

room 

garden 

kitchen 

Intermediate Level (Between Ground Floor & First Floor) ˆ

view of secret garden


main entrance of the ambassador suite


The stately Ambassador Suite is located on the second floor of the Palazzetto. The main entrance is on the second landing of the monumental staircase. An alternative is the spiral staircase that starts in the entrance hall of the ground floor of the Palazzo. 

The Ambassador Suite consists of 325.75 m2 (3506 sq. ft.) and 70 m2 (753 sq. ft.) of terraces and balconies. The terrace above the master bedroom covers 41.9 m2 (451 sq. ft.) with a lovely view of the neighborhood and the Altar of the Fatherland. 

Additionally, there is a small two-person balcony overlooking the garden. 

As you enter the suite there is an entrance hall, a lounge, a dining room and a study, a full bath and another half bath. From the entrance hall, and three steps to the left, there is a passageway to the sleeping area (preceded by a hallway that has windows 

overlooking both Capizucchi Square and Delfini Street). 

The sleeping area consists of three bedrooms one being a master, and two bathrooms. A wooden staircase leads from the master bedroom to an adjoining terrace overlooking with a lovely view of the neighborhood and the Altar of the Fatherland. 

Behind the main entrance, through a bright gallery, with iron cover and opaque glass, there is access to the service area and the kitchen. 

From the kitchen through a door there is access to the spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace with the adjoining attic. 

The ceilings of the representative rooms are coffered in a simple manner, without the usual painted decorations with light green and cream colors. The floors are made of nailed oak parquet laid in a herringbone pattern. The coffered doors are painted 

with the same light green and cream colors. 


T 

4 F 

3 F 

Upper Level ˆ 


2 F / M 

terrace 

1 F 

G 

dining 

room 

living 

room 

bathroom 

master 

bedroom 

bedroom 

bathroom 

bedroom 

bedroom 

lounge 

entrance 

& studio 

kitchen 


bathroom


main entrance of the executive suite


The charming Executive Suite is located on the mezzanine level of the Palazzetto. Its entrance is off the second landing of the monumental staircase. There is another entrance from the spiral staircase that starts in the entrance hall of 

the ground floor of the Palazzo. The executive suite extends over 159.79 m2 (1719 sq. ft.). The entrance opens to the gallery, built with sheet brick wall and supported by six brackets of masonry. 

The gallery leads to the living and dining room. There are two bedrooms, with elegant and spacious built-in closets, adjacent to the living room and dining room as-well-as 2 bathrooms. The living room and both bedrooms feature 

windows overlooking Piazza Campitelli. 

From the hall between the bathrooms, there is access to the staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace and the little chapel. 

The two bathrooms are covered with travertine, and there is a unique iron beam supporting the ceiling of the building that is part of the architecture design in the living room and was installed during the renovation work. 


T 

4 F 

3 F 

2 F / M 

1 F 


G 

bathroom 

bathroom 

master 

bedroom 

bedroom 


entrancekitchen 

living 

& dining room

hallway of the executive suite

exclusive amenities 

of the ambassador & executive suites 

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the gym

kitchen at the attic of the rooftop terrace 

view of st. peter’s basilica from the rooftop terrace 

attic of the rooftop terrace

little chapel

VII 

restoration

chapter vi • restoration • chapter vi • restoration • 

restoration 

restoration 

The fresco in the little chapel was brought back to life 

by experts of archival art restoration. 

The facade of the Palazzetto underwent a painstaking 

restoration process to return it to its original magnificence.

chapter vi • restoration • chapter vi • restoration • 

restoration 

restoration 

The moulded ceilings of the Ambassador Suite were 

expertly treated to recover their bright colors. 

The frescos and mouldings on the ceilings were rescued from deterioration and 

restored to their original stunning beauty.

chapter iv • location map & lifestyle • chapter iv • location map & lifestyle • 

VIII 

culture & lifestyle 

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Vatican City 

culture 

Within Vatican City there are cultural sites such as St. Peter’s 

Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. They 

feature some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures.

Museums 

culture 

Rome was a major world center of the Renaissance, second only to 

Florence, and was profoundly affected by this amazing period of 

art and enlightenment. The Capitoline Museums are a group of 

art and archeological museums in Piazza del Campidoglio. 

detail of a sculpture at the capitoline museums

History 

culture 

The Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater is an 

elliptical amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. 

Built of concrete and stone, it is the largest amphitheater ever 

built and is still considered today to be one of the world’s greatest 

works of architecture and engineering.

Parks & Villas 

lifestyle 

Public parks and nature reserves cover a large area in Rome, 

and the city has one of the largest areas of green space among 

European capitals. The most notable part of this green space is 

represented by the large number of villas and landscaped gardens 

created by the Italian aristocracy. 

view of the lake at villa borghese

Gastronomy 

lifestyle 

Rome became a major epicurean center during the ancient 

Age. Ancient Roman cuisine was highly influenced by Ancient 

Greek culture, and later, the empire’s enormous expansion exposed 

Romans to many new, provincial culinary habits and cooking 

techniques.

Fashion 

lifestyle 

Rome is also widely recognized as a world fashion capital. 

Major luxury fashion houses and jewelry chains have luxury 

boutiques in Rome, primarily along its prestigious and upscale 

Via dei Condotti.

chapter iv • location map & lifestyle • 

lifestyle 

Italian Open 

The Italian Open is an annual tennis tournament held in Rome. It 

is one of the most prestigious red clay tennis tournaments in the 

world after the French Open, with the men’s competition being an 

ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis 

Professionals (ATP) tour, and the women’s competition being a 

Premier 5 event on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour.

Piazza Di Siena 

lifestyle 

Rome’s famous international horse show remains unchanged 

as does its role of excellence in the world of show jumping. The 

event, with its Nations Cup now, is attended by the best riders in 

the world ranks.

IX 

conclusion 

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sunset view of st.peter’s basilica from the rooftop terrace

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Palazzetto Book LivingInside 09 03

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