buying tickets for the Palazzo Dora Pamphilj

I’m surprised you need to buy advanced tickets. When we visited pre-Covid we walked right in and were literally the only two people there. I guess Covid has changed every site’s entrance requirements.

I haven't heard you have to buy them in advance, just that it saves the time of waiting in line. I tend to be an over-zealous planner, sometimes to my detriment.

Hi, Lauri,
I went to the Palazzo Dora Pamphilj three years ago, one afternoon in October. There was very few other visitors. I literally walked right up to the ticket desk and bought a ticket. It is an absolutely beautiful palazzo and the audio tour which is part of your ticket price, is very well done with a narration in clear British English by a current member of the Pamphilj family. It may be that the demand for tickets is so low that they just aren't set up for pre-selling tickets on-line? There were so few other visitors that I was able to take some lovely photos of the rooms with no other persons in the photos.

Lauri, I just want to acknowledge that I'm seeing the same thing you are with two different browsers (MS Edge an Chrome). I'm sorry I don't have a solution for you, but maybe it's a short-term technical glitch that will clear up before you depart.

They sold a photography pass for an additional fee when we were there a few years ago. And there were very few people back then as well. It’s beautiful. My only issue was as I recall many paintings were not identified or labeled, but I rarely trust my own memory.

In Covid-time especially, I would carefully check current days and hours of opening, even after you arrive.

It was four or five years ago, but we also walked in to the ticket office. It was almost empty. It is, in my opinion, a very worthwhile visit, even though often overlooked. I had a particular interest in the Pope Innocent X portrait by Velázquez that London School painter Francis Bacon spent vast amounts of time with.

It makes me sound a little pompous, but it helps to have a bit of museum viewing experience to see why the vast number of gallery-style-hung paintings are worth your time, if perhaps second-tier by today's "blockbuster" standards. I was very glad we went. It's a nice "mansion" visit as well.

When I checked out the website, I was sorry to see that--at least in some rooms--the paintings are hung from floor to ceiling. I prefer a more museum-like setting, so I think I'll be skipping this one. I acknowledge that it looks like a great choice for people who enjoy palace furnishings. I mostly do not; I always seem to end up admiring the fancy wood flooring rather than the furniture.

This has been a useful reminder that for me, it's really important to spend five minutes on the website before making a decision to visit a place where the visual experience is everything.

Hi Lauri, we will be in Rome for the RS Southern Italy tour in two weeks and we plan to visit Palazzo Dora Pamphilj during our free time. I purchased tickets online no problem (perhaps it’s your browser or some issues with translating the page to English?). I received confirmation email with ticket code immediately. My friend was just there last week and she said the policy was to purchase tickets in advance and of course show your vaccination card and wear a mask. Also, no backpacks of any kind (not even backpack type purses)…the coat/bag check is still closed due to COVID. The cafe is open however and she said lunch was wonderful!

Thanks, voglesby711! I just ordered my tickets, paid by credit card, and received the verification within seconds!

And I made sure to make a reservation for midday, so we'll be there for lunch.

Thank you for all the responses. It must have been a temporary problem because today the website opened easily (although checking other browsers is a good idea that I tend to forget) and I now have my reservation and ticket. I tend to think I am doing something wrong when problems arise with a website and apparently it isn't always me. I'll look forward to eating lunch as well based on the recommendation.

Tim, I agree that knowing something about a museum before you go there, especially one with extensive collections. I'll look for the Velazquez painting you mention and hopefully have some time to research some other ideas. I did visit the Dora Pamphilj in 1997 with my family. My daughter really enjoyed the audio tour and I think I'll try that.

I really appreciate all the support available through this forum.

Hi Laura,

Another thumbs up for this palazzo visit! We had a hotel nearby, and we really enjoyed seeing the art in an uncrowded environment. And I always think it’s a bonus if I’m able to see it in a historical building.

It reminds me of walking through the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris. You’re in the middle of a busy city, the art is wonderful and the crowds are low.

Lauri, on the same block, walking away from the Victor Emmanuel monument/building, there is a small Church which from the outside looks like nothing. Inside was an altar made completely of Lapis Lazuli. It was magnificent. We just said a quick prayer while admiring the altar.

Barbara, do you remember the name of the church? Is it the Chiesa del Gesú?

I just found another possibility: Sant'Andrea al Quirinale. That one was actually commissioned by a member of the Pamphilj family.

The only church I see in the same block as the Palazzo Dora Pamphilj is Santa Maria in Via Lata. The Wikipedia write-up mentions lapis lazuli, but I can't find a good-enough online photo to see how extensively it is used.

I have been to the Doria Pamphilj twice, and both times I pretty much had the place to myself. I just walked up to the ticket counter and bought a ticket.

Definitely one of my favorite places in Rome. It's worth it just to see the Velazquez portrait of Pope Innocent, The audio tour, narrated by the current prince, is delightful -- full of personal commentary like "welcome to my house, let me show you around" and family stories.