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Nestled beside Rome’s famed Spanish Steps, one of its most beloved landmarks stands an architectural marvel – the Palazzo Zuccari, also known as the House of Monsters.
Commissioned in 1592 by Mannerist painter Federico Zuccari, this peculiar building captivates visitors with its eerie and distinctive façade. The entrance is framed by grotesque, gaping mouths and monstrous faces designed to both terrify and fascinate.
This blend of art and architecture offers a stark contrast to its elegant surroundings, making the Palazzo Zuccari a must-see for those seeking the extraordinary in Rome’s historic landscape.
History of the Palazzo Zuccari
Federico Zuccari commissioned the Palazzo Zuccari in 1592 as both a residence and a studio, reflecting his fascination with fantastical and grotesque imagery. Completed in 1594, the building’s monstrous faces are symbolic of the Mannerist and Baroque styles.
Over the centuries, the Palazzo changed hands among notable owners, including the Duchess of Bracciano in the early 17th century and the influential Medici family. By the 18th century, it had become a hub for artists and intellectuals, further cementing its place in Rome’s cultural landscape.
In the 1900s, the Palazzo underwent restoration to preserve its unique architectural elements. Today, it is owned by the Hertziana Library (www.biblhertz.it/en/library), a prestigious research institute for art history. This ensures the continued preservation and admiration of the Palazzo Zuccari, a testament to Zuccari’s artistic vision and Rome’s rich historical heritage.
The Monster Gate
The most captivating feature of the Palazzo Zuccari is its side façade on Via Gregoriana.
This part of the palace, built by Federico Zuccari starting in 1590, draws visitors with its extraordinary decorations. The windows and cornices are adorned with grotesque, open-mouthed faces inspired by the Gardens of Bomarzo, emblematic of Mannerist architecture. These monstrous visages, reminiscent of Zuccari’s illustrations of the gate to hell in Dante’s Inferno, are a unique and unforgettable sight.
Marie Casimire Louise de La Grange d’Arquien later modified the Palazzo, adding the Trinità dei Monti façade. Architecturally, the building was designed in three sections:
- a studio on Piazza Trinità dei Monti
- the residence facing Via Sistina
- a garden with an entrance from Via Gregoriana.
The family coat of arms, featuring motifs of lumps of sugar and comets, is displayed prominently in the frescoed Doric entablature. The garden, a rectangular space approximately 17 metres on each side, complements the Palazzo’s intricate and historic design.
While the Palazzo Zuccari’s exterior is accessible for viewing, the building itself is only available for inspection from the outside. Its remarkable façade remains the primary draw for visitors. This unique historical landmark stands as a testament to Zuccari’s artistic vision and the architectural creativity of the Mannerist and Baroque periods.
