Discover the statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war and wisdom, which watches over the hotel lobby from an alcove above. The figure was sculpted for the hotel in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi, a student of Antonio Canova. Canova was of the most important Italian sculptures from the late 18th century. Works from his studio were known for their lifelike textures and were commissioned as far away as the Americas.

Marvel at the artistry passed down by Italian craftsmen for centuries. Orient Express La Minerva has preserved or reimagined unique features throughout the structure. New hand-painted frescoes, including those on the ceiling of the Stendhal Suite, join original 17th-century frescoes throughout the building. Hand-blown Murano glass adorns light fixtures in hallways and guestrooms. As a result of this artistry, no two of the 93 guestrooms are alike.

Discover the layers of Roman architectural styles within the restored palazzo. The original structure was finished in 1620 in the Baroque style. The lobby and guestrooms have original Neoclassical features including frescoes and marble columns. Designer Hugo Toro’s renovation echoed these architectural eras by incorporating elements like Roman travertine stone and shell-shaped Rosso Verona marble basins that echo Rome’s fountains. These components are topped off with Art Deco touches reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel.