Historic Bed & Breakfast
Situated in the 16th-century Palazzo Ruspoli, this residence is steeped in history. It is named after Napoleon III, who once resided here, and features original frescoes and period furnishings that reflect its aristocratic heritage.
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What is the history of the property?
The Residenza Napoleone III is located in the historical Palazzo Ruspoli. The Palazzo was bought in 1583, by Orazio Rucellai, a member of the noble Florentine family that had made Rome the center of its financial policies in the train of Cardinal Piero Rucellai, thanks to the two Medici popes, Leo X and Clement VII. In 1627, two years after his brother Luigi’s death, Ferdinando Rucellai sold the great mansion to the Caetani of Sermoneta for 51,500 florins.
This old family, which boasted prelates, men of arms, and diplomats among its members, In 1713 the nobility of the Palazzo was again enhanced when it was rented by the Ruspoli family, who were of Florentine origin but had been in Rome since the fourteenth century.
They were the marquises of Cerveteri, and, from 1709, princes, starting with Francesco Maria (1672-1731).
The Ruspoli were financially secure when they bought the property, concluding the sale in 1776 and starting improvements on it immediately thereafter.
It was with the Ruspoli family that the most refined and triumphant period of its history would take place. The palace still belongs to them.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
XVI century
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, because the property is located in the historical centre of Rome.
Has restoration work taken place?
Yes
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
Painted ceilings
Marble busts
Colonnade
The main feature of the Ruspoli Palace was its great staircase.
Each of its four flights was made up of thirty monolithic marble steps that rose from the portico on the side facing Largo Goldoni.
It was popularly considered one of the “four marvels” of Rome, along with the Borghese Cembalo, the Farnese Dado, and the portal of the Sciarra Colonna.
It was built in 1640 by the Caetani family, the third owners of the building which at that time already had its own history.
The original structure dates back to 1556 when Francesco Iacobilli had it built on the area at the corner of Via del Corso, Via della Fontanella Borghese, Via del Leoncino and Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina.
The architect was probably Nanni di Baccio Bigio.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Napoleon III and his mother the Queen of Holland Hortense de Beaurnhais.
The musician Haendel.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
The property was mentioned in the novel "The Count of Montecristo" by Alexandre Dumas and by Goethe during his Italian journey.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Yes
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