Palazzo Altemps

A Renaissance palazzo bought in 1568 by Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps, it is one of the sites of the National Roman Museum. It holds ancient sculptures from the great noble collections — including the Ludovisi Throne and the dramatic Galatian Suicide — in frescoed halls and quiet courtyards.

Did you know: It is less than five minutes' walk from the house and often uncrowded — a hidden treasure next to Piazza Navona, perfect on rainy days too.

✦ The legend: In 1586 Roberto Altemps, the young duke who owned this palace, was beheaded by order of Pope Sixtus V on a charge of adultery; his family begged in vain for a pardon. Ever since, it is said that on certain nights one can hear, in these rooms, the step of a man walking back and forth and finding no peace.