Secrets of Rome: Palazzetto Zuccari, when art gives you chills…

Today, we are going to explore one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Rome: Palazzetto Zuccari, a true gem of the historic center. If you think the façade of a building can’t give you chills, get ready to change your mind!

A Palace with a Gaping Mouth
Imagine walking peacefully near Piazza di Spagna, when suddenly, you find yourself in front of a door… wide open in every sense! I’m talking about the entrance to Palazzetto Zuccari, a doorway shaped like the mouth of a monster. Yes, you heard right. The façade of this palace is decorated with huge mouths that seem ready to swallow you.
But who was the mastermind behind such a bizarre architectural idea? It was Federico Zuccari, a Mannerist artist from the 16th century, famous for his unconventional style and his passion for the grotesque. Built around 1590, this palazzo was not only his private residence but also his studio, a place where art mingled with fantasy and mystery.
Palazzetto Zuccari is also known as the "House of Masks" due to its eccentric and theatrical decorations. The gaping mouths aren’t the only monstrous detail; the windows are framed by grotesque figures that seem straight out of a horror story. It’s a tribute to Mannerist art, which loved to play with proportions and shapes to create surprising effects.
Zuccari was inspired by another famous work, the Park of Monsters in Bomarzo, where enigmatic figures and grotesque sculptures populate an enchanted landscape. In short, the artist knew exactly how to make a lasting impression, and centuries later, his palace continues to fascinate tourists and the curious alike.

The Hertziana Library: A Dive into Art History
In addition to being an architectural wonder, Palazzetto Zuccari is now home to one of the world’s most important academic institutions: the Hertziana Library – Max Planck Institute for Art History. This library is a major reference point for art history scholars, with an enormous and invaluable collection that spans centuries of Italian artistic culture.
The story of the Hertziana Library begins at the end of the 19th century when the German art patron Henriette Hertz purchased the palazzo. Hertz, a woman of great culture and an art lover, frequently hosted intellectuals and artists in her residence, actively contributing to Rome's cultural life. After her death in 1913, she left the palazzo and her private book collection to the Italian state, with the explicit desire to transform it into a public library specializing in art history.
The Hertziana Library is now part of the Max Planck Society, a German research institute that funds and promotes excellence in scientific and humanistic studies. This international connection has allowed the library to become a true global research center.

What You’ll Find at the Hertziana Library
If you’re passionate about art history, the Hertziana Library is a priceless treasure. Its collections include:
• Over 300,000 volumes on Italian and European art history, with a particular focus on medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art.
• Photographs and historical images, useful for studying works of art and architectural transformations over the centuries.
• Manuscripts, letters, and historical documents, many of which come from the private collections of Roman aristocratic families, offering a deep insight into the artistic and cultural context of the time.

The library's carefully furnished rooms, surrounded by works of art, are open to scholars from all over the world, who visit to consult rare documents and collaborate on international research projects.

A Unique Itinerary in Rome
Palazzetto Zuccari is a must-see for those who love art and curious stories, but also for those who want to venture off the beaten tourist path. After exploring this bizarre and fascinating corner of the city, continue your itinerary by climbing towards the splendid Trinità dei Monti or take a break among the boutiques of Via Condotti. And remember: when Rome surprises you, it’s the perfect moment to stop and breathe in all its beauty!