Palazzo Santacroce
Cornell in Rome is based in Palazzo Santacroce, a stunning 17th-century palazzo offering spacious studios, a library, a small materials shop and print center, and admin and tech support.
Initially built for the noble Santacroce family, the palazzo was designed by renowned architects, including Carlo Maderno (San Pietro in Vaticano), Francesco Peparelli, and Giovanni Antonio De Rossi. It features impressive frescoed vaults, gilded stucco frames, and historic salons, blending art and history with contemporary academic facilities.
Cornell in Rome’s large windows and balconies overlook a 19th-century urban park. A private ground-floor entrance leads to a spiral staircase, which opens to a library beneath a frescoed vault attributed to G. B. Ruggeri (circa 1640). Two of the three large salons have high vaults with central panels of fresco paintings surrounded by gilded stucco frames.
The surrounding neighborhood offers a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and markets, providing everything students need for daily life.
Student Housing
Cornell in Rome provides fully furnished apartments in historic neighborhoods, primarily the Centro Storico and Trastevere. Located in late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, these residences offer students an authentic Roman living experience, surrounded by local markets, cafés, and restaurants.
All apartments are within a 5- to 20-minute walk from Palazzo Santacroce and are well-connected to public transportation. Each unit is equipped with:
- A fully stocked kitchen with cookware and utensils
- Laundry facilities
- Linens, blankets, and pillows
- Regular maintenance by program staff throughout the semester
Housing assignments are arranged before departure from Ithaca.