Galleria Doria Pamphilj Rome
As difficult as it may be to believe, the Pallazo that houses this amazing art collection is a private residence. Although with over a thousand rooms and five courtyards, it is doubtful that you will meet any of the residents of the house. Aside from the collection, a walk through the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj will give you some insight into life in an 18th-century palace. The palace was built in the 15th century (over a foundation that predated it), and has now been restored to its 18th-century splendor.

The art collection is one of the most impressive private collections in the world. There are works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Guercino and Velazquez, to name but a few. Over 400 pieces in all. The guided tour of the private apartments includes a baroque chapel, a ballroom, and three authentically furnished 18th-century salons. In the private apartments are an Annunciation by Filippo Lippi, a family portrait by Lotto, and a stately portrait of Andrea Doria by Sebastiano del Piombo.

In the end, however, it is this intimate glimpse into the world of aristocracy that will prove most fascinating to the majority of visitors.