Famous Roman families: the Colonna
The Colonna family is an ancient and powerful Roman noble dynasty, originating in the 11th century. Renowned for their fierce rivalries (notably with the Orsini family) and immense political power, they produced several popes, cardinals, and military leaders.
Their historic residence, Palazzo Colonna, still houses their massive private art collection in central Rome.
Here is a breakdown of their legacy:
Notable Figures:
The family famously produced Pope Martin V (Oddone Colonna), who ended the Western Schism in 1417. Another key member, Sciarra Colonna, famously attacked Pope Boniface VIII in 1303. Later, Marcantonio Colonna served as the commander of the Papal fleet during the historic 1571 Battle of Lepanto.
Historical Influence:
Tracing their roots back to the Counts of Tusculum, the Colonnas were one of the few surviving patrician families of Ancient Rome alongside the Orsini. They frequently leveraged papal favor to build massive fortresses, including their complex at the base of Rome's Quirinal Hill.
Rome's Heritage:
Today, the descendants of the dynasty still own and live in a wing of Palazzo Colonna. They open portions of their massive complex—known as the Galleria Colonna—to the public on select days, allowing visitors to view masterworks by artists like Annibale Carracci, Guercino, and Michele di Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.
You can check Galleria Colonna directly to plan a visit and reserve tickets.
Their historic residence, Palazzo Colonna, still houses their massive private art collection in central Rome.
Here is a breakdown of their legacy:
Notable Figures:
The family famously produced Pope Martin V (Oddone Colonna), who ended the Western Schism in 1417. Another key member, Sciarra Colonna, famously attacked Pope Boniface VIII in 1303. Later, Marcantonio Colonna served as the commander of the Papal fleet during the historic 1571 Battle of Lepanto.
Historical Influence:
Tracing their roots back to the Counts of Tusculum, the Colonnas were one of the few surviving patrician families of Ancient Rome alongside the Orsini. They frequently leveraged papal favor to build massive fortresses, including their complex at the base of Rome's Quirinal Hill.
Rome's Heritage:
Today, the descendants of the dynasty still own and live in a wing of Palazzo Colonna. They open portions of their massive complex—known as the Galleria Colonna—to the public on select days, allowing visitors to view masterworks by artists like Annibale Carracci, Guercino, and Michele di Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.
You can check Galleria Colonna directly to plan a visit and reserve tickets.
31-35, F