The palace is situated south of Saint Peter's Basilica near the Petrine Gate to Vatican City.

The building lies outside the confines of Vatican City at the south-eastern corner of the city-state.

Its façade was rebuilt in 1524–1525 by the architects Giuliano Leni, Pietro Roselli and even Michelangelo.

[1] In 1566–1567, the palace was purchased by Pope Pius V for 9000 scudi, and it was converted into the seat of the Holy Office.

[1] It is where Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger formerly worked as Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.