Which Roman palace features a large cornice designed by Michelangelo?

The Roman palace with Michelangelo’s large projecting cornice is Palazzo Farnese. The cornice crowns the palace façade and casts a strong shadow across its upper edge, helping give the building its monumental Renaissance appearance.

Construction began for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, later Pope Paul III, to designs by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. After Sangallo’s death in 1546, Michelangelo took over aspects of the project and redesigned important exterior and courtyard elements.

Michelangelo also revised the central window, added the prominent balcony and papal coat of arms, and contributed to the courtyard’s completion. Palazzo Farnese is therefore associated with several architects, but its distinctive cornice is one of Michelangelo’s best-known architectural contributions. The palace now houses the French Embassy in Rome.