Palazzo del Quirinale: From Popes to Presidents

Map

Palazzo del Quirinale

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The monumental pile that is Palazzo del Quirinale was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII (r. 1572-85) as a papal summer residence. Work began in 1574 under the architects, Flamino Ponzio and Ottaviano Mascherino. The palazzo wasn't completed until the time of Pope Clement XII (r. 1720-40). 

The principal entrance, which is surmounted by reclining statues of Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome, was created by Carlo Maderno during the reign of Pope Paul V (r. 1605-21). 

In 1871, Palazzo del Quirinale became the official residence of Italy's royal family, and since the foundation of the Italian Republic, in 1946, it has housed the country's president.

Three flags fly over the Palazzo del Quirinale. In addition to the tricolour of Italy and the flag of the European Union (twelve gold stars on a blue background), the third flag represents the President of the Republic. The president's flag is only raised  when he (there has yet to be a female holder of the office) is in residence. 

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Principal Entrance to the Piazza del Quirinale

Statues of St Peter and St Paul

The Three Flags of Palazzo del Quirinale