Rome, main facade of Palazzo Farnese shines again: restoration finished

The third phase of the restoration of the facades of Palazzo Farnese, home of the French Embassy in Italy and the École française de Rome, has been completed in Rome . A major event marked the day on Monday, December 9, when the public gathered in Piazza Farnese was able to admire for the first time the building’s main facade, cleared of scaffolding. This celebration, which was attended by Martin Briens, French Ambassador to Italy, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, represents a milestone in the long and painstaking restoration process that will culminate in 2025, the 150th anniversary of the French presence in the Palace.

The restoration of Palazzo Farnese began in 2021 and, when completed, will allow the facade to be restored to the original colors of the materials used by the four great architects who worked on it, namely Antonio da Sangallo, Michelangelo, Jacopo Barozzi known as the Vignola, and Giacomo della Porta. Phase 3 of the work, namely the maintenance of the facade on Piazza Farnese, the overhaul of the fixtures and the restoration of the roofing, had begun in 2024.

A rediscovered jewel

Close observation of the facade from the scaffolding has revealed some interesting details. Among the most fascinating details is the lion-headed cornice designed by Michelangelo, once used as a drainage system for rainwater. It is a composite work, in which original 16th-century heads coexist with elements from 1934, the result of an earlier restoration.

The color effects of the ochre and red bricks, used to create geometric patterns and to highlight the travertine window frames, bring to light the original artistic intent. The coat of arms of the Farnese family, carved in Carrara marble and surmounted by the symbols of the papacy, was also restored, as was the “green” color of the bronze of the ancient-inspired entrance door, which was recovered through stratigraphic investigations and restored with a patina.

A contemporary view of restoration

One of the basic principles adopted was respect for historical restoration techniques. The original materials were studied and preserved as far as possible, with scientific analysis aimed at determining the composition of mortars and plasters in order to faithfully reproduce the original surfaces. The cleaning of plaster, consolidation of stones and revision of old tile roofing were carried out in harmony with Italian principles of restoration of historic monuments.

An innovative aspect of the project is the use of sustainable materials and advanced techniques. Ventilated cork insulation was inserted under the existing Roman tiles to improve energy efficiency without compromising the building’s original appearance. In addition, the restoration of the roof above the Hercules Hall revealed a striking Eiffel Tower-style metal truss, built in the first quarter of the 20th century, which was carefully overhauled.

In parallel with the restoration, Palazzo Farnese has been transformed into a center of cultural production. The French Embassy and the École française de Rome have promoted initiatives to tell the “behind the scenes” story of the work, involving artists and researchers in the enhancement of this extraordinary heritage. Temporary installations on the palisades of the construction site, public events and online activities allowed the public to discover new details about the history and art of the Palace.

The last phase of the restoration, scheduled for 2025, will involve the garden wall and the roofs of the Via Giulia slopes. With a total budget of 5.6 million euros, the project was co-financed by the French ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Higher Education and Research. The entire process was led by the agency of Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Chief Architect of French Historic Monuments, with the support of an Italian-French scientific committee and under the supervision of the Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio of Rome.

Rome, main facade of Palazzo Farnese shines again: restoration finished

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