Italian princess Giacinta Ruspoli and her mother, Maria Pia, have opened the family-run Ruspoli Bonaparte Residence to tourists in the centre of Rome. The 16th-century palace offers four apartments, with rates starting at around $470 per night. The owners say that the income helps to maintain and restore the historic building.
Briefly about the main points
- There are four apartments available for tourists in the 16th-century palace.
- A night’s stay at the residence costs from around $470.
- Breakfast and butler service are included in the accommodation.
- The entire residence is available to rent from €4,000 per night.
- Visitors can visit Castello Ruspoli, not far from Rome.
Accommodation and additional services
Ruspoli Bonaparte Residence is situated in the historic centre of Rome, close to the Spanish Steps and the shopping street Via Condotti. The building dates back to the 16th century, and each flat is over 93 square metres in size.
The price includes breakfast and the services of a butler. For an additional fee, you can book a personal chef, a bespoke menu or beauty treatments. Renting the entire residence, according to Giacinta Ruspoli, starting at 4,000 euros — approximately 4,700 dollars — per night.
Interiors featuring preserved historical décor
The rooms feature period furniture, tapestries, frescoes, marble decorations, fireplaces, parquet flooring and large crystal chandeliers. The historic interiors have been combined with modern hotel facilities.
Some of the flats have private terraces and verandas offering panoramic views of the historic centre of the Italian capital. The décor of the residence is also linked to its 19th-century residents.
Napoleon III, family inheritance and restoration costs
In the 1820s, the future French emperor lived in the palace Napoleon III and his mother Hydrangea Bogarne, Queen of the Netherlands. She commissioned part of the artistic decoration, including the frescoes and other decorative elements, which have survived to this day.
The Ruspoli family has centuries-old ties with the Italian aristocracy and the Vatican, although following Italy’s proclamation as a republic in 1946, aristocratic titles ceased to be officially recognised by the state. Giacinta Ruspoli, who previously worked as a lawyer and journalist, now manages the family’s property, organises events and welcomes tourists alongside her mother.
The owners describe themselves as the palace’s custodians and attribute their decision to let it out to the high maintenance costs. Restoration work requires funding and special permits from the Italian cultural heritage authorities.
A visit to Castello Ruspoli in Cerveteri
Guests at the Roman residence are also invited to visit Castello Ruspoli in the town of Cerveteri, approximately 48 kilometres north of the capital. The estate, which was previously used by the family for hunting and leisure, has been transformed into a boutique hotel with ten suites following extensive restoration work.
The castle grounds feature spacious halls, historic frescoes, stone staircases and terraces. Weddings, private dinners and other celebrations are held here; by prior arrangement, visitors can book a dinner featuring traditional local dishes.
