Cardinal Giambattista Pamphilj became Pope Innocent X in 1644 and wanted a grander palace for his family on Piazza Navona. His sister-in-law, Olimpia Maidalchini, oversaw the building work. Girolamo Rainaldi received the commission, and his more conservative design was preferred over Borromini's proposals. The infobox gives 1644 as the start, but the text says construction began in 1646.
Francesco Borromini was consulted in 1647 and contributed the stucco decoration of the salone and the design of the Gallery. Carlo Rainaldi, Girolamo's son, completed the building around 1650. Pietro da Cortona painted the Gallery vault between 1651 and 1654.
The plan has three courtyards. Brazil bought the property in October 1960 and houses its embassy there. The roof terrace is open to the public.
Comments