the current appellation was given in 1625 when it was named after the palazzo barberini, the substantial baroque palace built in an elevated position on the south side of the piazza for the barberini. originally, there was a large entrance gateway to the palace designed by the baroque painter and architect pietro da cortona on the south east corner of the piazza but this was demolished to make way for the construction of a new road in the 19th century. however, its appearance is known from engravings and early photographs of the piazza.