Palazzo Taverna

Located on Via di Monte Giordano, in the heart of Rome between Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo, Palazzo Taverna was erected in the 15th century on the ruins of Giordano Orsini’s fortress (referred to by Dante in his ‘Divine Comedy’ in Inferno XVIII, 99). The Orsini family ruled the area from this fortress to the banks of the Tiber.

From that time onwards, the Palazzo represented the family’s culture and status. It served as the residence of ambassadors and cardinals: Ippolito d’Este received Bernardo and Torquato Tasso here; Cardinal Luciano Bonaparte, the great grandnephew of Napoleon, hosted Empress Eugenia and the poet Gioacchino Belli, who entertained guests with his sonnets. After being purchased by Maurizio di Savoia, who made dedicated efforts to improve its aesthetics, the Palazzo passed in the early 1600s to the Gabrielli family, who subsequently carried out the modifications that gave the historical residence its present appearance. The last change of ownership occurred in favour of the Taverna family.

Guests entering Palazzo Taverna ascend a short flight of steps through a grand portal, leading them into a picturesque courtyard that reveals one of Rome’s most unique and hidden gems. Here, an elegant fountain crafted by A. Casoni in 1615 takes centre stage, featuring four successive basins surrounded by a lush laurel hedge. To the immediate right, at the courtyard’s end, stand 19th-century structures echoing medieval and Renaissance architectural influences. Passing through a Renaissance portal with the Torre Augusta tower dating back to 1880 and a spacious hall on the opposite side, visitors emerge into a stunning courtyard. Here, an exterior staircase, a graceful porch and three broad arches supported by columns adorned with intricate 15th-century capitals grace the scene. Above, an upper loggia, partially enclosed, adds to the courtyard’s charm.

In the grand reception halls on the ‘piano nobile’ floor, in addition to the exquisite antique furniture, one can appreciate collections of paintings by Sebastiano Ricci and Rosa da Tivoli.

Special events in Rome
Palazzo Taverna is an ideal venue for hosting a range of events, including weddings, cocktail parties, business luncheons, meetings and exclusive corporate gatherings. Stefanina Aldobrandini personally oversees the catering service, drawing upon over two decades of experience in recreating an ambience of opulence and efficiency across the numerous palazzos, villas and castles within her purview. This feat is achieved thanks to her expert team and the use of exquisite table linens, fine porcelain, antique silverware and period attire, evoking the gracious hospitality of the splendid private homes of times gone by.