Palazzo Ferrajoli is one of several historic palazzi that surround Piazza Colonna on busy Via del Corso. Over the years it has been home to noble families, high priests, men of arms and Napoleon’s art-loving uncle, Cardinal Fesch. It’s easy to overlook the three palazzi because they are overshadowed by the giant, 2000 year old Column of Marcus Aurelius which has central position in the piazza and hogs the limelight. You’ll notice the column, well before you notice the palazzi. If you’re standing looking at the Column from Via Del Corso, then Palazzo Ferrajoli is the one on the left. The original building dates back to medieval times but has been redesigned several times. It was almost completely rebuilt in 1561 by the famous architect, Giacomo Della Porta, and was renovated again in 1602. Today, it looks pretty much the same today as it did following the 1602 work. It is not, sadly, open to the general public. Today it is open for private event bookings. In any case, there’s not much to see at the moment as it is undergoing restoration and is covered in scaffolding and sheeting.

Located on Piazza Colonna, to the left of the little church of Santi Bartolomeo e Alessandro dei Bergamaschi, is this large and attractive palazzo, which also faces Via del Corso. The building as it looks today dates from 1602. The building once housed a papal post office. The uncle of Napoleon Bonaparte, a cardinal and ambassador of France to Rome, lived here for a time. Caught a glimpse of the pretty courtyard.