About This Location
Piazza Colonna is a busy, elegant square in the heart of Rome, set right along Via del Corso. It works like a natural meeting point between shopping streets and the city’s political district. At the center stands the Column of Marcus Aurelius, often called the Colonna Antonina. It was built in honor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and is wrapped in a spiral relief showing scenes from his military campaigns. The monument dates to the late 2nd century AD and still dominates the square today. On one side is Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government. Since 1961 it has been the official meeting place of the Council of Ministers and the residence of the Prime Minister. Security and barriers in this area are a reminder that this is a working center of government, not just a historic backdrop. Also nearby is Galleria Alberto Sordi, the covered shopping arcade that opened in October 1922 and was long known as Galleria Colonna. It is a good landmark for orientation, with entrances connecting this area to Via del Corso and nearby streets. Facing the square is Palazzo Ferrajoli, another grand building that helps frame the space between Via del Corso and the surrounding political palaces. Standing here, it is easy to see how ancient Rome, Baroque city planning, and modern institutions overlap in a single view.