Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
In the intricate tapestry of Rome’s history, few families have left a mark as enduring and symbolic as the Barberini. With their iconic bee emblem—a symbol of industriousness and prosperity—they rose to power during the Baroque period, reshaping the Eternal City’s architecture, art, and political landscape. Today, traces of their legacy can still be found throughout Rome, offering a glimpse into a family that helped shape the city we know and love.
For guests at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, exploring the Barberini legacy is a journey into the heart of Rome’s Baroque splendor, as well as an opportunity to uncover how their influence continues to resonate today.
The Rise of the Barberini: From Tuscan Roots to Papal Glory
The Barberini family originated in Tuscany, but their rise to prominence began when Maffeo Barberini was elected Pope Urban VIII in 1623. Under his papacy, the family flourished, accumulating immense wealth and power. Urban VIII’s reign is often remembered for its patronage of the arts and grand architectural projects, but also for controversies that earned the Barberini a reputation as ambitious and opportunistic.
The Barberini Symbol: Bees of Industry and Ambition
The bee, a central element of the Barberini coat of arms, symbolizes hard work, productivity, and success. This emblem can be found across Rome, adorning fountains, churches, and palaces commissioned by the family. Some of the most notable examples include:
- The Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini, where Bernini sculpted dolphins and bees in honor of the Barberini family.
- The Canopy (Baldacchino) in St. Peter’s Basilica, another of Bernini’s masterpieces, supported by spiraling bronze columns and featuring Barberini bees prominently.
The bees not only represent the family’s industriousness but also their lasting legacy, buzzing through Rome’s art and architecture to this day.
Barberini Contributions to Rome’s Architecture and Art
The Barberini were among the greatest patrons of the Baroque era, commissioning works from the era’s finest artists, including Bernini, Borromini, and Pietro da Cortona. Their influence can be seen in several iconic locations:
1. Palazzo Barberini
This grand palace, now home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and designed by Bernini and Borromini. The building itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and inside, visitors can admire works like Caravaggio’s Judith Beheading Holofernes and Raphael’s La Fornarina. Located just a short metro ride from QuodLibet, Palazzo Barberini is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
2. Sant’Andrea della Valle
The Barberini funded the completion of this stunning church, which features one of the largest domes in Rome. Its interior showcases breathtaking frescoes and intricate Baroque details, many of which highlight the family’s patronage.
3. Fontana delle Api
This small fountain near Piazza Barberini is dedicated entirely to the Barberini bees. Designed by Bernini, it once served as a public water fountain and remains a charming reminder of the family’s influence.
Barberini Controversies: What the Bees Took
The Barberini’s grand projects often came at a cost, both financial and symbolic. The family famously removed bronze from the Pantheon’s portico to create cannons for the Vatican and to furnish Bernini’s Baldacchino in St. Peter’s. This act led to the phrase:
“Quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini”
(What the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did)
Despite the criticism, these projects solidified the family’s place in history as architects of Rome’s Baroque identity.
The Barberini Today: A Legacy Enduring
While the Barberini family no longer wields the power it did in the 17th century, their influence endures. Palazzo Barberini remains a cultural landmark, and their name is still associated with the grandeur of Baroque Rome. The bee emblem continues to be a beloved symbol, recognized by visitors and Romans alike.
For guests at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, a visit to Piazza Barberini, Palazzo Barberini, and their nearby treasures offers a unique way to experience Rome’s layered history. Whether admiring the Barberini bees or exploring the art and architecture they helped create, the family’s legacy adds depth to any Roman adventure.
A Family of Power, Art, and Ambition
The Barberini story is one of transformation—of Rome, of art, and of themselves. They turned their wealth and ambition into a legacy that still inspires awe centuries later. As you explore Rome, you’ll find their fingerprints in unexpected places, from monumental fountains to intricate carvings.
At QuodLibet, we’re always happy to share tips on discovering the Eternal City’s hidden gems, and tracing the Barberini family’s story is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Baroque Rome.
