Hidden within the bustling streets of Rome’s historic center, the Palace of Spain is the world’s oldest embassy to the Holy See.

Established by King Ferdinand the Catholic in 1480, the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See has been an extraordinary alliance ever since.

The palace graces the renowned Piazza di Spagna, a square that draws its name from the palace itself. This architectural marvel boasts a secret world of hidden courtyards and opulent terraces, covering a remarkable 38,632 square feet, with an additional 118,403 square feet devoted to lush gardens and spellbinding vistas.

Designed by the legendary architect Borromini, the palace’s enchanting main staircase and lobby whisper the secrets of the past, where ambassadors and dignitaries once tread.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Palace of Spain was the stage for otherworldly festivities, as Spanish ambassadors conjured dazzling spectacles that mesmerized those gathered at the Piazza di Spagna.

Within the palace’s storied walls, a treasure trove of fine art and woven tapestries lies waiting to be discovered. Marvel at the 17th-century gobelin tapestries that once adorned the Bourbon-Orleans family’s castle, or explore the hallowed halls adorned with masterpieces by Federico Madrazo, Vicente López, and Nattier, among others.

In 1857, Pope Pius IX revealed the mystical Column of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza di Spagna, honoring Spain’s unwavering commitment to the Immaculate Dogma.

Editorial credit: Massimo Todaro / Shutterstock.com
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