First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva becomes acquainted with the Quirinale Palace of Rome

On February 20, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva became acquainted with the Quirinale Palace in Rome, in the framework of the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Italy.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva walked about the halls of the Quirinale Palace, viewing exhibits being displayed here. Mehriban Aliyeva was given information about the history of the Quirinale Palace, and valuable items being preserved here, including paintings, frescoes and mosaics. It was informed that, located on the Quirinale Height of Rome, the palace was built in 1573 as a summer residence of Pope Gregory 13^th. At the time of Umberto 1^st, receptions of various persons, including musicians, artists and travellers used to be arranged in the palace. In the 1^st half of the 20^th century, King Victor Emmanuel 3^rd chose this palace as his residence.

Once the residence of Roman popes and Italian kings, the palace is now a residence for presidents. Architects of the palace are Domenico Fontana and Carlo Maderno.

It was informed that in the presidential room of the palace, which had previously been used by the Pope for various purposes, now official meetings of the head of the state are taking place. Paintings in the palace relate to the 17^th century. So far, 30 popes, 4 kings and 12 presidents have used this palace.