(the family's
coat of arms symbol) The first part of the palace dates from the 13th century, and tradition holds that the building hosted
Dante during his visit to Rome. The first documentary mention notes that the property hosted Cardinals Giovanni and Giacomo Colonna in the 13th century. It was also home to Cardinal Oddone Colonna before he ascended to the papacy as
Pope Martin V in 1417. Following his death, the palace was sacked during feuds, and the main property passed into the hands of the
Della Rovere family. It returned to the Colonna family when
Marcantonio I Colonna married Lucrezia Gara Franciotti Della Rovere, the niece of
Pope Julius II. The Colonna family's alliance to the
Habsburg power likely protected the palace from looting during the
Sack of Rome (1527). Starting with
Filippo Colonna (1578–1639), many changes have refurbished and create a unitary complex around a central garden. Architects including
Girolamo Rainaldi and
Paolo Marucelli labored on specific projects. Only in the 17th and 18th centuries were the main facades completed, one facing Piazza SS. Apostoli and the other facing Via della Pilotta. Much of this design was completed by Antonio del Grande (including the grand gallery) and Girolamo Fontana (decoration of the gallery). In the 18th century, the long low facade designed by
Nicola Michetti, with later additions by
Paolo Posi with taller corner blocks (facing Piazza SS. Apostoli), was constructed and recalls earlier structures resembling a fortification. ==Colonna Art Gallery==