When in Rome I find the Galleria Doria Pamphilj irresistible. I just love museums that are in grand homes, still in use by the family. This gallery is on the Via Corso, the long avenue that is essentially Rome's spine, dividing the city in half while providing troves of tourists several blocks of pedestrian-only streets. But even that doesn't keep down the frantic, noisy insanity that is your basic day in Rome.
You just need a respite from it all. So you must step into their glorious palazzo and take in the beauty and luxury. The Doria Pamphilj was a wealthy Genoese family who got rich via land, trade and special relationships with the Church. There are several famous Doria Pamphilj's, including and admiral, Andrea Doria, after whom many ships were named. Remember the Andrea Doria cruise ship that hit the ship Stockholm? I think there was a movie made about that. It happened in the 50's so at least all the passengers were looking attractive and chic, with their 50s cruise attire. And then, the other famous DP is Pope Innocent X, who was painted by Velasquez. You can visit this painting at the galleria:
But really, just wander around. It's all very grand. Scrumptious wall paper, velvet and yummy. Walls of mirrors, humongous chandeliers, endless paintings from different historical periods, including two important Caravaggio's (what is an unimportant Caravaggio?). Walk through the palazzo, imagining it is yours. That's what I do:
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