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PALAZZO BORGHESE IN ROME

This building came to be called the "Borghese Harpsichord" on account of its unusual shape, similar to the antique musical instrument. Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century for Cardinal Camillo Borghese, The façade which looks onto the Lungotevere, the embankment of the Tiber River, is called the keyboard because of the two rows of loggias, one upon the other.
At the time of construction this part of the river was a busy port, alive with activity.

The Palazzo Borghese was the tallest and most imposing building of its time. I was also a sure sign of the family's newly acquired economic power. The Borghese family were originally from Siena and their power was ensured when Camillo Borghese became Pope, taking the name Paul V. A meticulous and inflexible man, as pope he dispensed huge privileges to his family members, in particular to his favourite nephew, Cardinal Scipione. The modest origins of the family can be understood from their surname, Borghese, but their rise in Rome was quick and they became one of the city's most influential families.