An aristocratic home filled with baroque art and Borromini’s mind-bending “false perspective” corridor—one of Rome’s quirkiest illusions.
Where cardinals and mathematicians mingled among Caravaggios and tricks of the eye.
📍 Location: Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13
⏰ Opening Hours: Wed–Mon, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (closed Tuesday)
💸 Entrance Fee: €5
🕓 Suggested Visit Time: 45 minutes
🔗 Official Site: https://www.galleriaspada.beniculturali.it/
🗺️ Map: Google Maps Link
About Galleria Spada
Why We Love It:
Besides Caravaggio’s “David and Goliath” and Orazio Gentileschi’s “David with the Head of Goliath,” the gallery’s biggest draw is Borromini’s colonnade—an optical illusion corridor just 9 meters long but appearing 35 meters deep.
Roman Guides Insider Tip:
After exploring inside, snap a photo from the courtyard for the best view of the forced-perspective corridor.
Local Secret:
Look for the tiny spiral staircase used by staff for centuries—a hidden architectural gem.
Did You Know?
🗝️ The perspective trick was designed to impress guests and display the family’s mathematical interests.
🎨 Borromini’s illusion uses sloping floors and diminishing columns—one of the baroque era’s greatest mind games.
Nearby Recommendations:
• Five-minute walk to Campo de’ Fiori market
• Explore Palazzo Farnese’s stately renaissance courtyard (external view only—French Embassy)
• Enjoy drinks at Salotto 42 nearby