Barracco Museum

Smack in the heart of the tourist center of Rome, the Barracco Museum is an overlooked treasure trove of ancient art. Located off Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori, the museum is housed in a Renaissance palace once owned by the powerful Farnese family and designed by Sangallo the Younger, affectionately known as the Piccola Farnesina. The ancient works were part of the personal collection of Giovanni Farnese, who donated it to the city of Rome in 1902.

Officially called the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture, there are more than 400 priceless pieces, mostly sculptures, that cover the ancient world - Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician, Grecian, Etruscan, and of course, Roman civilizations are represented. The statuary and varying classical styles are truly impressive.

The Museo Barracco is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM til 7:00 PM. Closed Mondays.