Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is a historic palace located on Piazza Madama in central Rome that houses the Senate of the Italian Republic. The building incorporates medieval towers and later Renaissance and Baroque additions and has been adapted as a parliamentary building since the 19th century.

Architectural elements include an older medieval core with fortification remnants and an ornate later facade; interior rooms contain offices, meeting chambers and formal state spaces associated with legislative functions. The palace’s name derives from the Italian word for noble ladies who once owned or resided in the building during the Renaissance era.

The building became the seat of the national Senate after the unification of Italy and the move of the capital to Rome in the late 19th century, and it continues to serve that function today.

Palazzo Madama stands in the civic heart of Rome between Piazza Navona and the Corso, easily reached on foot from central tourist routes.

• Current use: Since Italian unification the building has served as the seat of the Italian Senate, making it an active centre of national government.