Poli
A Palace with a Rich Past in Rome: Palazzo Poli
Palazzo Poli, also known as Palazzo Conti di Poli, is a historic building in Rome, mainly known for the Fontana di Trevi that stands in front of it. The palace has undergone several construction phases and currently houses the Central Institute for Graphics and the National Institute for Graphics Museum.
The History of Palazzo Poli
The construction of the oldest part of the palace took place in the early 17th century at the request of Duke Cesi di Ceri. Architects Martino Longhi and later Ottaviano Mascherino were commissioned to continue the building's construction. After further expansions made by the Borromeo family, the palace was purchased in 1678 by Lucrezia Colonna, wife of Giuseppe Lotario Conti, VI Duke of Poli and Guadagnolo. Giuseppe Lotario was responsible for further significant expansions, including the purchase of adjacent buildings with facades on the Trevi Square. Giuseppe Lotario's son, Stefano Conti, carried out the renovation work of the new parts and expanded the palace to the borders of the Trevi Square. In 1808, after the death of Duke Michelangelo Conti, the palace was sold to a distant cousin, Duke Francesco Sforza Cesarini, who in 1812 sold it to Luigi Boncompagni Ludovisi.
After about 70 years, the palace passed to the builders Belloni, Basevi and Vitali, who demolished the oldest part of the building. In 1888, the Municipality of Rome expropriated the remaining intact part of the palace to safeguard the fountain and the building was intended to house offices. In 1939, the palace was sold to private individuals as payment for the construction of new offices on the Via del Mare. In 1978, Palazzo Poli became the property of the Italian State after being purchased by the Institute of S. Paolo di Torino.
The Interior of Palazzo Poli
The Dante Hall is the most significant space in Palazzo Poli. Built in the 18th century by Stefano Conti, it was originally intended to house the family's precious library and later used as a hall for parties. In the first half of the 19th century, painter Francesco Manno had his studio there. In 1865 and 1866, Romualdo Gentilucci rented and renovated the Dante Hall to host the Dantesque Gallery. The gallery included 27 canvases commissioned to famous painters of the time, based on designs by Filippo Bigioli. Today, the Dante Hall is an exhibition space dedicated to graphic art.
Palazzo Poli, with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, is one of the most valuable historical and cultural testimonies of Rome. The palace is an example of the skill of the architects and artists who enriched it and made it one of the most beautiful places in Rome.
