Palazzo Lovatelli was commissioned in 1580 by Gianfilippo Serlupi, probably to a design by Giacomo della Porta, and completed in 1619 by his brother Girolamo. Sold in 1744 to the Ruspoli and later, in the 19th century, to the Lovatelli family—related to the Caetani—the palace still bears the inscription “CAETANI – LOVATELLI.”
In the 19th century, excavations in the foundations brought to light remains of the Portico di Filippo, associated with the Temple of Hercules Musagetes. On the corner facing Piazza Campitelli there is a Madonna and Child by Giulio Bargellini.
Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace became a vibrant cultural salon thanks to Countess Ersilia Caetani Lovatelli, who hosted figures such as Giosuè Carducci, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Émile Zola and Franz Liszt.
The intervention focused on the protection and restoration of the building, respecting its original materials and implementing preventive measures aimed at restoring the surfaces and slowing the causes of deterioration, in order to ensure the best possible conservation over time.
Stone Materials
Like many noble palaces, Palazzo Lovatelli features extensive use of travertine, a prestigious material widely employed in ancient Rome for portals, stringcourse cornices, balconies and crowning cornices. In particular, at Palazzo Lovatelli travertine was used for the ornamental elements of the ground and first floors, especially rusticated ashlar blocks, portals and window frames, while the top floor is characterized by architectural elements made of mortar.
The travertine used for the palace was not of particularly high quality—possibly reused material—as it appeared highly porous, with deep cavities and alterations caused by the presence of oxalates. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance over the years led to a significant accumulation of dirt deposits.