Palazzetto_Book_LivingInside (1)

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chapter i • introduction •
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By
Giacomo Della Porta (1533 - 1602)

“Ciò che era accaduto nella grande epoca
della Penisola Ellenica accadde di nuovo
nell’Italia del Rinascimento. La liberazione
dalle catene rese gli individui energici e
creativi, producendo una rara fioritura di geni’’
- Bertand Russell

view of palazzetto designed by giacomo della porta, from piazza capizucchi view of st. peter’s dome (finished by giacomo della porta) from the interior

I
introduction
chapter i • introduction •

introduction
chapter i • introduction •
Rome:
The World’s
Great Beauty
History, Culture, Human Genius and beautiful landscape have
united to make Rome one of the important cities in the world.
Founded around 753 BC, it was the center and the most powerful
city of Western Civilization, ruling all the Mediterranean, Northern
Africa, England and parts of the Middle East. It became a worldwide
center of pilgrimage, and later in the Renaissance, as the city became
a major European capital of the arts, education, philosophy and
trade, it became an important crossroads for bankers, artists and
philosophers.
Rome, the Eternal City, today is one of the most important
tourist destinations of the world, due to the vast concentration of
archaeological and art treasures as-well-as the charms of unique
traditions, the beautiful panoramic views and the grandeur of the
magnificent “villas” (parks). Nestled around the City’s significant
resources are plenty of museums, aqueducts, fountains, churches,
palaces, historical buildings, the monuments and ruins of the Roman
Forum, and the Catacombs.

view of rome from the rooftop terrace looking towards st. peter’s basilica

introduction
chapter i • introduction •
Rione Campitelli:
The Neighborhood
The Palazzetto of the Palazzo Albertoni Spinola is located in Rome,
in the historic Rione Campitelli. The small and prestigious size of the
area and, above all, its richness of prominent archaeological sites
and museums, make it one of most desired places to live in Rome.
The coat of arms of the district bears a black head of a dragon against
a white background. The coat of arms is believed to go back to a
medieval legend of an evil monster which in the fourth century was
a threat to the Roman Forum until it was driven out through the
intervention of Pope Sylvester I.
The origin of the name of the district Campitelli, according to local
belief, comes from Capitolium Hill, the highest of the Seven Hills
of Rome which on top of there stood the most important ancient
roman temple (dedicated to the worship of the triad of Jupiter, Juno
and Minerva).
Within this district is the piazza del Campidoglio (Capitolium) which
is still considered, as it was two millennia ago, to be the geographical
center of Rome, the reference point to count all road distances with
respect to the city.
Additionally, the District of Campitelli, and specifically the
Palazzetto, are centrally located between the Coliseum, the Vatican
City, the Spanish Steps, the Tiber River and other significant
historical monuments and locations.

image of the neighborhood neighborhood

II
location map

the view of the altar of fatherland from the rooftop terrace of the palazzetto

2
Vatican - 15 minutes
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10
3
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23
12
11
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25
9
15
5
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6
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24

1
8
7
points of interest
Palazzetto
1. Colosseum
2. Vatican City
3. Theater of Marcellus
4. Pantheon
5. Eliseo Theater
6. Palatine Museum
7. Brancaccio Theater
8. The Basilica of St. Sylvester
9. Trajan’s Forum
10. Square of Gesú
11. Circus Maximus
12. Altar of the Fatherland
13. Navona Square
14. Baths of Septimius Severus
15. Farnese Gardens
16. Arch of Constantine
17. The Turtle Fountain
18. Theater Argentina
19. Museum of Rome
20. Gloria Pamphilj Gallery
21. Roman Forum
22. St. Mary above Minerva
23. Venezia Square
24. Arch of Titus
25. St. Andrew of Quirinal
26. St. Cecilia in Trastevere
27. Ministry of Cultural Heritage
28. Basilica of St.Mary in Trastevere

III
palazzo albertoni spinola: a history

Palazzo, making this unit a unique property of its kind.
C)the use of the old roof secret garden of the Palazzetto from the first floor of the
connection between the square and the inner courtyard;
countess Marina Baldeschi (1895-1983)].
pre-existed building. In fact, the entrance gallery of the building forms a diagonal
Mario Cingolani (1883- 1971), while Bonifacio Spinola married his second cousin,
original door of the Palazzetto, despite having built the great Palazzo in front of what
Bonifacio. Maria Antonietta Spinola was later to marry the well-known politician
the Campitelli Church located in front of the Palazzo Albertoni Spinola) from the
Palace to her direct descendants, Genoese Marquis Spinola, Maria Antonietta and
B) the preservation of direct view of the entry of Santa Maria (which is
Carolina Portalupi (1852-1891) who restored it. Subsequently, the Countess left the
Palazzo;
Thereafter, in 1886, the building was sold by the descendants of Pacca to Countess
without being able to recognize that you are in one side or in the other part of the
A)the architectural integration of the new construction into the ancient preexisting
Palazzetto, allowing this unit to extend and merge into the new construction
death, caused:
and 1580. Partcularly the project, that archiect Rainaldi finished after Della Porta
structures and the internal partitions of the big building, in the years between 1560
The work of Della Porta involved the project and the construction of the bearing
the buildings De Rossi (later Cavalletti) and Capizucchi.
history
Albertoni to Giacomo della Porta (ca. 1540-1602), in an area likely to be rebuilt between
interventions in late 1616. The work was commissioned by Marquis Baldassarre Paluzzi
Campitelli, was built between 1603, and the years immediately following, with some
in the 10th District of Rione Campitelli. The facade of the Palace, facing the piazza
The Albertoni Spinola Palace, with an entrance in Campitelli square at n. 2, is located
history
including cardinals Giacomo Piccolomini and Giacomo Antonelli.
fifty years with his grandchildren who rented parts of it out to their acquaintances
there from time to time at least from 1819. After Pacca’s death, the Palace remained for
later, the building was handed over to Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca (1756-1844) who lived
Alvares de Faria Ríos Sánchez Zarzosa, prince of Paz de Basano (1767-1851). Somewhat
around 1808 by Prince Paluzzo Altieri to a famous Spanish general, Manuel Godoy y
more than a century, was elevated with a fourth floor on top of the attic, and was sold
The Palace, which remained in the hands of the offspring of the Altieri Family for
building, at the height of the first floor).
restructuring at that time (this is the archway built in the back, in the outside of the
archway to allow passage to his “nearest neighbors” who were carrying out further
Palazzo
Albertoni Spinola
additional permit to construct, over the back door of his palace and over the alley, an
the new wall with the corner of the adjacent Capizucchi palace. In 1616 he required an
new facade, widening the area of the existing property towards the square and aligning
In fact, in 1603 Knight Baldassarre Paluzzi Albertoni requested a permit to build the
chapter ii • palazzo albertoni spinola: a history • chapter ii • palazzo albertoni spinola: a history •

IV
ancestors, saints & heroes

tomb of pope benedict xv at st. peter’s basilica
members connections within the Vatican.
ambassadors, saints, heroes and literary persons with family
The Spinolas distinguished themselves as soldiers, prelates,
ancestors
12th century.
furnished many consuls to the aristocratic “consular” commune of
families, that dominated the history of Genoa, Italy, during the citystate’s
great period, from the 12th to the 14th century. The Spinolas
Spinola family is one of the most ancient and important Genoese
ancestors
Spinola Family
chapter vii • ownership • chapter vii • ownership •

Matilde of Canossa (1046 – 24 july
1115), was a powerful feudal lady
in northern Italy and the chief
Italian supporter of Pope Gregory VII
during the investiture controversy.
In addition, she was one of the few
medieval women to be remembered
for her military accomplishments,
which allowed her dominion over all
the territories north of the church states.
Gianluca Spinola was an Italian
partisan, descended from a noble
family of Genoa, who was shot by
the Germans at the end of World
War II. He volunteered in the
resistance for the liberation of Italy
and attacked overwhelming German
forces at Castel s. Giminiano. He was
surrounded and taken prisoner on
the 2nd of June, and was killed on the
14th of June 1944.
Matilde di canossa
Gianluca spinola
ancestors
ancestors
Blessed Charles Spinola (1564 – 10
September 1622), also known as Carlo
Spinola, was a Jesuit missionary
from Genoa, martyred in Japan as a
missionary.
Charles spinola
Pope Benedict xv (21 November 1854
– 22 January 1922), born Giacomo
Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa,
cousin of Maria Antonietta Spinola,
was Pope from September 3, 1914
to his death in 1922. His pontificate
was largely overshadowed by World
War I and its political, social, and
humanitarian consequences in Europe.
Pope benedict xv
chapter vii • ownership • chapter vii • ownership •

V
architecture & art

the enjoyment of the Palazzetto secret garden even from the new Palazzo first floor.
Church, through the diagonal trend in the new courtyard of Palazzo and third with
view perspective from the entrance of the ancient building to Santa Maria in Campitelli
Palazzetto to extend into the new construction seamlessly; second in the creation of
revealed firstly through the integration of the two units that enables the ancient
The genial imprint of Giacomo della Porta on the project of Palazzo Albertoni Spinola is
1588-1590.
in collaboration with Domenico Fontana, completed Michelangelo’s dome between
From 1573 he was in charge of the ongoing construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, and later,
designs.
the mother church of the Jesuit order, and in 1584 modified its façade after his own
After the death of Vignola in 1573, Della Porta continued the construction of il Gesù,
architecture
steps up to the piazza del Campidoglio).
the facade and steps of Palazzo Senatorio, and the Cordonata Capitolina (the ramped
for the rebuilding of the Campidoglio or Capitoline Hill’s open spaces by completing
da Vignola, his teacher of architecture. After 1563 he carried out Michelangelo’s plans
Della Porta was influenced by and collaborated with Michelangelo, and Giacomo Barozzi
Basilica. He was born at Porlezza, Lombardy, and died in Rome.
and sculptors, who worked on many important buildings in Rome including St. Peter’s
Giacomo Della Porta (c. 1533 – 1602) was one of the most important Italian architects
Giacomo Della Porta
The Great Architect
chapter iii • architecture & art •
view of the monumental stairs

example of the palazzetto’s workmanship showing mouldings, metal works, marble floor and hand-crafted door against the monumental stairs

Lion motifs are scattered throughout the property,
and are prominently featured over many doorways and thresholds
Beautiful sculptural mouldings line the ceilings of the palace
with floral and maritime motifs
architecture
architecture
Plaster Lions
Mouldings
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

Exquisitely crafted iron and bronze works can be found
everywhere inside and outside the property
Glass mosaics, marble, stone, and wood create gorgeous flooring
surfaces in every room and space of the palace
architecture
architecture
Metal Works
Flooring
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

senatorial palace on the Capitoline Hi
of Julius Caesar taken from the statue preserved in the
probably of Hesiod or Zeno of Elea; and a plaster cast of the head
during the Renaissance era, one of Julius Caesar and another
Cornelius Scipio Africanus); two marble portraits reconstructed
of Isis (reworked in the Renaissance era as a portrait of Publius
Antinous (mended in part); another ancient marble head, a Priest
two ancient marble heads, one of a young woman and one of
The busts currently residing in the Albertoni Spinola palace include
art
other properties including villas on the Esquilino and at Porta Salaria.
remarkable Altieri collection, enriching the family mansion and
In the 1600s, the Paluzzi Albertoni pieces were merged with the
Albertoni family, collectors of ancient artwork.
five over the stairs, which were part of the collection of the Paluzzi
heads, one in the entrance hall past the courtyard and the other
In the Palace, there is still a small collection of six portrayed sculpted
Sculptures
chapter iii • architecture & art •
marble bust of publius scipio africanus in the palazzetto

Bust of a priest of Isis reworked
as “Publius Scipio Africanus”
Greek poet Hesiod
or philosopher Zeno of Elea.
art
art
Marble Bust
Marble Bust
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

Bust of Antinous
Bust of Julius Caesar
art
art
Marble Bust
Marble Bust
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

one of a kind.
The significance of these art pieces make this property unique and
areas of the Ambassador and Executive suites.
art
Office within the common area and two are located in the amenities
One is located in the Little Chapel, one is located at the Management
There are numerous frescoes located throughout the Palazzetto.
Frescoes
chapter iii • architecture & art •
detail of the fresco of the little chapel, located within the palazzetto

Different perspective views of the unique art painting of the Little Chapel.
The entrance to the Chapel is through a door located off the spiral staircase
which leads to the Rooftop Terrace.
art
art
Little Chapel Fresco
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

The Dome Fresco located on the ceiling within the common areas of the Palazzetto
art
art
Dome Fresco
Dome Fresco
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

art
art
Fresco
Fresco
chapter iii • architecture & art • chapter iii • architecture & art •

stunning view from the rooftop terrace

VI
palazzetto suites
chapter iv • location map & lifestyle •

Rooftop
Second/Mezzanine Floor
First Floor
Ground Floor
common areas
garden suite
ambassador suite
executive suite
rooftop terrace (exclusive amenity)
exclusive amenities
Elevation Map
& Connections
The masterpiece of architectural integration
by Giacomo della Porta
Three independent, luxury suites each equipped with fitness,
wellness, and relaxation areas. The three residences will be equipped
with shared security services, an office and a movie theatre for
private screenings.
Although the suites have shared common amenities, they are still
independent. They may be accessed by different entrances, either
through the main monumental staircase, or from Capizucchi alley
via from Capizucchi square, or from the entrance hall on the ground
floor of the Palazzo using the spiral staircase that starts right at that
entrance.
On the Ground Floor of the Palazzetto you have shared Common
Areas: the office, theater, concierge, security and private parking.
Also on the ground floor are the private gym and wellness of the
Garden Suite, private gym and wellness of the Ambassador and
Executive Suites.
The Garden Suite is located on the first floor of the Palazzetto. The
entrance is on the first landing area of the monumental staircase.
The private service entrance is located on the ground floor off the
Capizucchi alley.
The Ambassador and Executive Suites are located on the second/
mezzanine floor. The entrances are on the second landing of the
monumental staircase but are separate from each other. The private
service entrance is off the spiral staircase originating from the
ground floor.
The rooftop Terrace is located on the roof of the Palazzetto, and it is
considered an exclusive amenity for the Ambassador and Executive
Suite.

common areas
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the view perspective on santa maria in campitelli church from palazzetto doorway
chapter i • introduction •

common areas
Private Entrance: A motor-vehicle entry way is located on the ground floor, an access from Capizucchi square.
This large space is 114 m2 (1,227 sq. ft.). It consists of a central space connected to the services with marble floors,
vaulted ceilings and a beautiful double wood entry door.
Entertainment Area: This area is 92 m2 (990 sq. ft.) includes a Theater, Lounge and a Game Area. It is located on
the ground floor with two entry doors from the entrance hall. The lower level of the Entertainment area has
three additional rooms with a bathroom.
Management Office: A stunning frescoed ground floor unit with a single entry door from the entrance hall. This
unit has 32 m2 (344 sq. f.t). It is a single room with a recently restored fresco at the center of the ceiling and has
travertine floors.
T
4 F
3 F
2 F / M
1 F
G
private
entrance
Piazza Capizucchi
business
theater
entertainment
area
Piazza Campitelli

the monumental stairs

entrance to the business office fresco on the cieling of the business office

garden suite
main door of the garden suite
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garden suite
A prestigious Garden suite is on the first floor of the Palazzetto with entrances on the first floor of the monumental staircase, and a separate private service entrance from Capizucchi alley. The suite extends over three levels connected by a circular
staircase.
The first level consists of an entrance hall, three living rooms, a dining room, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a hallway. The garden is accessed from the living room, the dining room, and from the lower level kitchen. The living room has a
central fireplace which is covered, on its outer part, with pinewood.
The lush garden is a total of over 177.65 m2 (1912 sqft).
The ceilings of the entrance are made of walnut wood, painted in light green and cream colors. The ceiling is decorated with simple relief patterns. The ceilings of the living rooms and the large bedroom with floor to ceiling windows, overlooking
Capizucchi square, are made of walnut and maple with cornices adorned with embossed inlay imitations of roses and golden coats-of-arms. The hallway, on the other hand, has a false ceiling, which hides a decoration similar to the one present in the
passage room.
The intermediate level is between the first floor and the ground floor. The intermediate level consists of the kitchen, a working room, a utility bedroom, a pantry and a closet.
Finally, there is a pantry room on the ground floor with a small bathroom and another utility room where there is an access to the Gym and the Wellness area.
The photos of the rooms have been photo altered to show new interior design concepts.
T
4 F
3 F
2 F / M
H= 3.63
wellness
room
1 F
gym
Ground Level (G) ˇ
G
H= 3.00
master
bedroom
living
room
bedroom
bathroom
lounge
entrance
dining
room
garden
kitchen
Intermediate Level (Between Ground Floor & First Floor) ˆ
Piazza Campitelli
closet
Piazza Capizucchi

view of secret garden

ambassador suite
main entrance of the ambassador suite

athroom
kitchen
bathroom
bedroom
bedroom
lounge
entrance
& studio
bedroom
master
bedroom
living
room
dining
room
bathroom
G
3 F
2 F / M
1 F
Piazza Capizucchi
Upper Level ˆ
terrace
4 F
T
The photos of the rooms have been photo altered to show new interior design concepts.
From the kitchen through a door there is access to the spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace with the adjoining attic.
The ceilings of the representative rooms are coffered in a simple manner, without the usual painted decorations with light green and cream colors. The floors are made of nailed oak parquet laid in a herringbone pattern. The coffered doors are painted
with the same light green and cream colors.
The sleeping area consists of three bedrooms one being a master, and two bathrooms. A wooden staircase leads from the master bedroom to an adjoining terrace overlooking with a lovely view of the neighborhood and the Altar of the Fatherland.
Behind the main entrance, through a bright gallery, with iron cover and opaque glass, there is access to the service area and the kitchen.
As you enter the suite there is an entrance hall, a lounge, a dining room and a study, a full bath and another half bath. From the entrance hall, and three steps to the left, there is a passageway to the sleeping area (preceded by a hallway that has windows
overlooking both Capizucchi Square and Delfini Street).
The stately Ambassador Suite is located on the second floor of the Palazzetto. The main entrance is on the second landing of the monumental staircase. An alternative is the spiral staircase that starts in the entrance hall of the ground floor of the Palazzo.
The Ambassador Suite consists of 325.75 m2 (3506 sq. ft.) and 70 m2 (753 sq. ft.) of terraces and balconies. The terrace above the master bedroom covers 41.9 m2 (451 sq. ft.) with a lovely view of the neighborhood and the Altar of the Fatherland.
Additionally, there is a small two-person balcony overlooking the garden.
ambassador suite
Piazza Campitelli

executive suite
main entrance of the executive suite

executive suite
The charming Executive Suite is located on the mezzanine level of the Palazzetto. Its entrance is off the second landing of the monumental staircase. There is another entrance from the spiral staircase that starts in the entrance hall of
the ground floor of the Palazzo. The executive suite extends over 159.79 m2 (1719 sq. ft.). The entrance opens to the gallery, built with sheet brick wall and supported by six brackets of masonry.
The gallery leads to the living and dining room. There are two bedrooms, with elegant and spacious built-in closets, adjacent to the living room and dining room as-well-as 2 bathrooms. The living room and both bedrooms feature
windows overlooking Piazza Campitelli.
From the hall between the bathrooms, there is access to the staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace and the little chapel.
The two bathrooms are covered with travertine, and there is a unique iron beam supporting the ceiling of the building that is part of the architecture design in the living room and was installed during the renovation work.
The photos of the rooms have been photo altered to show new interior design concepts.
T
4 F
3 F
2 F / M
1 F
Piazza Capizucchi
G
bathroom
master
bedroom
bathroom
bedroom
entrance kitchen
living
& dining room
Piazza Campitelli

hallway of the executive suite

exclusive amenities
of the ambassador & executive suites
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the gym

kitchen at the attic of the rooftop terrace
view of st. peter’s basilica from the rooftop terrace attic of the rooftop terrace

little chapel

VII
restoration

The fresco in the little chapel was brought back to life
by experts of archival art restoration.
The facade of the Palazzetto underwent a painstaking
restoration process to return it to its original magnificence.
restoration
restoration
chapter vi • restoration • chapter vi • restoration •

The frescos and mouldings on the ceilings were rescued from deterioration and
restored to their original stunning beauty.
The moulded ceilings of the Ambassador Suite were
expertly treated to recover their bright colors.
restoration
restoration
chapter vi • restoration • chapter vi • restoration •

chapter iv • location map & lifestyle • chapter iv • location map & lifestyle •
VIII
culture & lifestyle
-98 -

culture
Vatican City
Within Vatican City there are cultural sites such as St. Peter’s
Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. They
feature some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures.

culture
Museums
Rome was a major world center of the Renaissance, second only to
Florence, and was profoundly affected by this amazing period of
art and enlightenment. The Capitoline Museums are a group of
art and archeological museums in Piazza del Campidoglio.
detail of a sculpture at the capitoline museums

culture
History
The Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater is an
elliptical amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy.
Built of concrete and stone, it is the largest amphitheater ever
built and is still considered today to be one of the world’s greatest
works of architecture and engineering.

lifestyle
Parks & Villas
Public parks and nature reserves cover a large area in Rome,
and the city has one of the largest areas of green space among
European capitals. The most notable part of this green space is
represented by the large number of villas and landscaped gardens
created by the Italian aristocracy.
view of the lake at villa borghese

lifestyle
Gastronomy
Rome became a major epicurean center during the ancient
Age. Ancient Roman cuisine was highly influenced by Ancient
Greek culture, and later, the empire’s enormous expansion exposed
Romans to many new, provincial culinary habits and cooking
techniques.

lifestyle
Fashion
Rome is also widely recognized as a world fashion capital.
Major luxury fashion houses and jewelry chains have luxury
boutiques in Rome, primarily along its prestigious and upscale
Via dei Condotti.

Premier 5 event on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour.
Professionals (ATP) tour, and the women’s competition being a
ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis
world after the French Open, with the men’s competition being an
lifestyle
is one of the most prestigious red clay tennis tournaments in the
The Italian Open is an annual tennis tournament held in Rome. It
Italian Open
chapter iv • location map & lifestyle •

lifestyle
Piazza Di Siena
Rome’s famous international horse show remains unchanged
as does its role of excellence in the world of show jumping. The
event, with its Nations Cup now, is attended by the best riders in
the world ranks.

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IX
conclusion

sunset view of st.peter’s basilica from the rooftop terrace

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