One of the best parts about visiting Rome is the amount of free things one can do and see in the city. On various occasions, private villas, gorgeous government buildings and prestigious palazzi open their doors to the public for free. The Italian Senate opens its doors to the public for free on the first Saturday of every month. Staff members of the building give visitors an exclusive guided tour of the grounds where some of the most powerful players in Italian politics meet.

sethschoen — Photo courtesy of Italian Senate Opens to the Public on the First Saturday of the Month

Since 1871, the Italian Senate has been housed in this tightly guarded, prestigious palace called Palazzo Madama. The building was originally constructed atop ruins of the ancient baths of Nero in the 16th century. It was meant to be a lavish townhouse for the noble Medici family. The palazzo gets its name 'Madama' from Madama Margherita of Austria, the alleged illegitimate daughter of Emperor Charles V who also once resided there.

The building, located just a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, is typically closed to the public. However, the Senate opens the glorious palace up to the public on the first Saturday of every month for the entire day.

Those who wish to visit the Italian Senate must pick up a ticket from the palazzo's entrance at Piazza Madama 11 on the day it's open to the public. You'll be asked what time between 10am and 6pm you would like to visit the building.