Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps

Palazzo Altemps is one of the four sites comprising the National Roman Museum and is renowned for its exquisite collection of classical sculpture. Housed within a beautiful and well-preserved Renaissance palace in central Rome, the museum offers a refined setting for its masterpieces. The collection primarily features Greek and Roman sculptures collected by noble families, including the Ludovisi and Mattei collections. Highlights include the 'Ludovisi Ares,' a colossal statue of the war god, and the dramatic 'Ludovisi Gaul,' depicting a dying warrior. The palace itself is a work of art, with frescoed rooms, elegant courtyards, and a charming chapel. The way the sculptures are displayed within the historical context of the palace enhances their beauty and allows visitors to appreciate them as they would have been seen in private collections, offering a more intimate viewing experience than larger, purpose-built museums.