Secret Apartments vs. Private Apartments: What Is Included and What Costs Extra

They are not the same rooms. Private Apartments are included in the standard ticket since August 2023. Secret Apartments on the ground floor are managed separately and cost extra. Reviewers consistently report four rooms, about 45 minutes.

Private Apartments€16 ticket, since 1 Aug 2023

Secret ApartmentsSeparate visit, separate price

Private rooms countSix decorated rooms, 2nd floor

Secret rooms countFour rooms, ground floor

Secret rooms timeAbout 45 minutes unguided

Guide optionAvailable, EN/FR/IT

Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.

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Private Apartments (included)

The Private Apartments are Sala del Trono, Sala Azzurra, Saletta Verde, Saletta Gialla, Saletta Rossa, and Toletta di Venere. Six decorated rooms, second floor, hung with family paintings and furnished as the palace uses them. They became part of the standard ticket on 1 August 2023. If a listing advertises "Private Apartments included as an upgrade," that listing is not current. You already have them.

Secret Apartments (not included)

The Secret Apartments on the ground floor include the ninfeo di Diana and the Pompeian bath alcove. They are managed separately by the Trust Floridi Doria Pamphilj and sold as their own visit. A reviewer quoted a €6 unguided rate. Reviewers consistently report four rooms and about 45 minutes. You can book them unguided, or with an English, French or Italian guide. They are worth considering if you want to see the private side of the palace, but a short visit — plan 45 minutes, not a second three-hour gallery experience.

Who should book them

The Secret Apartments make sense if you want to step beyond the collection into the spaces the family actually uses, and you are willing to accept a short visit. A guided version in your language is more rewarding. If you have limited time in Rome and the gallery fills your half day, skip them.

Confusion in listings

Many third-party sites use "Private Apartments" and "Secret Apartments" as synonyms. They are not. The private rooms are in your €16 ticket. The secret rooms cost extra. The difference matters when you are browsing, so check what you are actually booking before committing.

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

Are Secret Apartments included in the ticket?

No. Private Apartments (six rooms on the second floor) are included since 1 August 2023. Secret Apartments (four rooms on the ground floor) are not included and are managed separately.

How long is the Secret Apartments visit?

About 45 minutes, unguided. A guided version in EN/FR/IT takes about the same time. It is a short visit — plan accordingly.

What is the difference between Private and Secret?

Private Apartments are on the second floor, in the €16 ticket, six rooms. Secret Apartments are on the ground floor, separate cost, four rooms. Many listings use both terms for the same thing — always check before booking.

Should I add the Secret Apartments?

Only if you want to see the family’s private spaces and you have time for a short separate visit. If the main gallery fills your half day, skip it.