Spada Gallery Rome

The Spada Gallery is located in one of the wings on the first floor of the majestic 17th century Palazzo Spada, which is famous for its façade and for Borromini’s false perspective work, located in the courtyard. The collection located in the Spada Gallery was begun in the 17th century by Cardinal Bernardino Spada, an enthusiastic supporter and patron of art and artists; his brother also contributed to the collection. Other works were added as a result of the marriage between Orazio Spada and Maria Veralli, as well as by purchases made in the 17th and 18th centuries by Bernardino’s grandson, Cardinal Fabrizio Spada. The collection is displayed in four frescoed halls, according to 17th century style, with frame touching frame and smaller paintings above larger paintings.