The Quirinal Palace stands on one of Rome's seven hills, the Quirinal, where in ancient times stood the temple of the god Quirinus, from whom the hill takes its name.

Construction of the palace began in 1578 with Pope Gregory XIII, who entrusted the architect Ottaviano Mascherino with the design of a papal summer residence. During the pontificate of Sixtus V, the work was continued by Domenico Fontana, who enlarged the building by building a long wing, while under Paul V Borghese (1605-21), a Grand Staircase, a large Consistory Hall, and a Chapel of the Annunciation were built, the work of Flaminio Ponzio and, after his death, by Carlo Maderno. Clement VIII ordered the construction of a new chapel. The monumental Organ Fountain was built in the palace's magnificent 16th-century gardens, which extend over approximately 4 hectares. The Coffee House was built within them in 1741 by the architect Fuga.

The façade of the two-story palace is the work of Domenico Fontana (1589), featuring the portal by Maderno (1615), flanked by the statues of the apostles Peter and Paul, created respectively by Stefano Maderno and Berthélot. Above it is Bernini's Loggia delle Benedizioni (1638), while on the left rises the circular tower (1626), also by Bernini. Equally significant is the Cortile d'Onore, built between the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, resembling a large porticoed square.

The palace boasts a unique artistic, historical, and cultural heritage. Its world-famous art collections include ancient and modern statues and paintings, priceless tapestries, exquisitely crafted carriages, and precious watches, the most valuable of which are still in use today. Ancient examples date back to the era of Louis XIV, as well as a rich porcelain collection.