I've always been curious about visiting the Quirinal Palace - the sprawling 16th-century palace that the President of the Italian Republic calls home. Walking past, you can see some very serious soldiers and guards, and catch glimpses of colonnades and gardens, but that's about it. The rest is a mystery. However, it is possible to visit by booking a guided tour, and I recently discovered that there's also another, little-known way to enjoy the splendour of the Quirinal.
Keep your eye out for tickets for Sunday morning classical concerts in the Cappella Paolina (Paulina Chapel). They're available on the official Quirinal website for just €1.50 - incredibly good value for a classical concert performed by world-class musicians in a spectacular Baroque chapel in the heart of Rome. Every concert is different - one Sunday you might find a cellist performing Haydn and Rossini, while on another Sunday you'll get a group of percussionists performing Philip Glass.
These classical concerts are definitely a must for music-lovers, but I'd recommend them to anyone who wants a memorable cultural experience in Rome. Regardless of your musical tastes, it feels like a privilege to watch talented musicians in such a special setting.
Unsurprisingly, tickets sell out quickly. Check the website for upcoming concerts and buy tickets as soon as they're released. Entrance is through the main visitor entrance on Via del Quirinale (opposite Via della Consulta).
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