PALAZZO COLONNA, ROME 
PLATE ioi 
i garden of the Palazzo Colonna is particularly interesting as an example 
of the clever treatment of a city garden, where a restricted space and very 
awkward situation have been laid out to great effect. The skilful manner 
in which the designer has made the most of his opportunities, and imparted 
a beauty and variety of effect by simple means, is well worthy of study. 
The garden was laid out by Don Filippo Colonna in the seventeenth century. 
Before that date the site had consisted of several orchards known as ‘gli orti 
Colonnei,’ laid out upon the ancient area of the Temple of the Sun , 1 and part of its ruined cornice 
still remains upon the terrace. 
The palace is situated at the foot of Monte Quirinale, not far distant from the royal 
palace, the principal entrance being from the Piazza SS. Apostoli. The palace itself is built 
upon level ground, and the gardens occupy the steep slope behind, the hillside having been 
considerably cut away, and a narrow area, for lighting, constructed behind the building. Four 
small stone bridges cross this area from the level of the first floor to the lower terrace of the 
garden, now a broad grassplot, but originally laid out with a series of small pastures. At one 
end, the rocky background is hidden by an elaborate architectural screen. The awkward nature 
of the site made it impossible to obtain any leading lines connecting the palace with the 
garden itself, and the designer has succeeded in masking the irregularities of the steep slope by 
planting a hedge and covered alley at the foot of the hill. From a point near the centre the 
little cascade descends; it is of very simple design, delightfully arranged with stairways on either 
side, and nymphs and tritons watch the water splashing down water-worn steps and through 
mossy vases. 
Midway up the cascade is an oval level space, with walks to right and left. Continuing the 
ascent, we arrive at the head of the cascade, on the level of the second terrace, whence a double 
ramp ascends to the topmost level of the garden, with a broad terrace backed by high hedges of 
box and myrtle, with here and there some antique remnant of the famous Temple which formerly 
stood here. Tall cypresses complete the scene, lending an air of solemnity, and affording a splendid 
1 There is an engraving by Stefano Duperac, 1540-1561, showing these ruins in the early sixteenth century. The garden is also shown 
upon Nolli’s plan of Rome, 1748. 
