Palazzo Madama

Map
Palazzo Madama, Rome
Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama was begun at the end of the 15th century (and completed in 1505) for the Medici family from Florence. It housed two Medici cardinals and cousins, Giovanni and Giulio, who both later became popes: Leo X (r. 1513-21) and Clement VII (r. 1523-34), respectively. 

The palazzo takes its name from Madama Margherita of Austria (1522-86), the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Charles V, who married Alessandro de' Medici (1510-37), Duke of Florence, in 1536. 
Facade detail, Palazzo Madama, Rome
A detail of the Facade
The ornate façade (1637-42) was built by the Roman architect Paolo Marucelli (1594-1649).

Since 1871 Palazzo Madama has been the seat of the Senate, the upper house of the Italian parliament. ​