Pope John Paul II’s Former Central Rome Home Has Hit The Market

Just a stone’s throw from the historic Trevi Fountain, a 400-year-old palace that was once the home of Pope John Paul II has been put on the market for €30m. 

Inside John Paul II’s Former Home

Dating back to the early 17th century, the magnificent property was originally a convent and oratory, built by the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Spain. A church was added to the complex in 1611, which – as reported in Ritratto di Roma Moderna (Portrait of Modern Rome) – was designed by Italian architect Paolo Maruscelli. Alessandro Sbreccio built the church, focusing much of his attention on the ornate dome.

For the next few centuries, the 3,535 sqm property changed hands frequently, before it was eventually purchased by the Belgian Ecclesiastical College. In 1846 the college entirely renovated the convent and church, and since this time has remained largely unchanged. Between 1946 and 1948 Karol Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II was a student at the college, living and studying within the halls. 

Pope John Paul II had the third-longest pontificate in history, heading the Catholic Church from 1978 until his passing in 2005, aged 84. Born in Wadowice, Poland, John Paul was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, since Adrian VI, and was the first ever pope of Slavic descent. 

As you would expect from a property so connected to the Catholic Church, the interior details are dazzling. The palazzo spans six floors, including five above-ground floors and a basement. Myriad ornate decorative details can be seen across the property, including perfectly preserved coffered ceilings and frescos. The first floor of the 40-bedroom property looks over the Via del Quirinale, and features some of the most extravagant rooms. Other floors are characterised by their unassuming interiors and flat ceilings but maintain their beauty and historical charm. 

Unusually, a deconsecrated church is incorporated into the main structure of the palace. The church is decorated with Corinthian pillars, both fluted and gilded, leading to a vast hemispherical dome ceiling. The light in the church is tinted by eight colourful stained-glass windows. Above the side altars sit two lunettes, painted by celebrated 18th century artist Pietro Nelli. The Rococo painter is most famed for his religious portraits of ecclesiastics and noblemen, including the portrait of Pope Clement XI. 

Outdoor space is abundant within the palazzo. A serene inner courtyard opens onto a 614 sqm private garden that has been meticulously maintained to reflect its original design. Lemon, orange and olive trees pepper the lush green lawn, and an exposed brick pergola stands proud in the centre of the garden, offering shade from the Mediterranean sun. Surrounded by walls, the gardens are quiet and private, offering a tranquil escape from the fast-moving capital. In typical Roman style, the terrace balcony is paved with warm terracotta tiles, perfect for sun-soaked lunches.

The Palazzo is situated in one of the most prestigious districts of Rome. The Quirinale Hill is the tallest of Rome’s seven hills, which has allowed it to be a stronghold of both religious and political power for centuries – today it is home to the Presidency of the Republic. Noted for its wealth of Baroque palaces, the area attracts discerning art and architecture admirers, as well as those fascinated by Italian history. As well as allowing the area to become a strategic stronghold, the Quirinale Hill offers panoramic views of The Eternal City. 

In recent years the property has been primarily used as a commercial office space, however a spokesperson for Lionard Luxury Real said: ‘The palazzo lends itself beautifully to conversion into a private residence – an extraordinary home in one of Rome’s most coveted addresses, steps from the Quirinale [Palace] yet remarkably serene.’

On the market for €30m. Find out more at lionard.com