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Palazzo Pubblico della Città Giardino Aniene

Palazzo Pubblico della Città Giardino Aniene

Piazza Sempione, 18, 00141 Roma RM

Rating: 5.0 ★ (1 rating)

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Palazzo Pubblico della Città Giardino Aniene stands proudly in Rome's Montesacro district, overlooking the picturesque Piazza Sempione. This distinguished public palace, built in 1922 to a design by Innocenzo Sabbatini, served as the civic heart of the pioneering "Città Giardino" or Garden City Aniene development. Its architectural style, a charming blend of "Roman barocchetto" and neo-medievalism, draws inspiration from traditional Tuscan municipal buildings, featuring a subtly concave façade designed to gracefully embrace the piazza. The palace stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century Italian urban planning, reflecting the English Garden City movement and offering a tranquil atmosphere amidst its verdant surroundings.

The building's notable features include a ground-floor portico with tuff-covered pillars, intricately decorated with stucco panels depicting animal figures in a Viennese Secession style, topped by a long terrace. Moving upwards, the second-floor windows are embellished with alternating sub-arches that reveal masks and faces, reputedly including that of the architect, Innocenzo Sabbatini himself. A dominant central bell tower crowns the facade, proudly displaying the district's coat of arms with the motto "NVMQUAM SINE LVCE" (Never without light) and a substantial clock. Originally housing municipal police, a post office, and a primary school, the palace now serves as the political headquarters for Rome's III Municipality following a sympathetic restoration in 2010.

This historical landmark is particularly suited for visitors with an interest in early 20th-century urbanism, architectural history, and those keen to explore Rome's less-frequented yet historically rich areas. It appeals greatly to architectural enthusiasts, historians, and anyone seeking a peaceful, green respite from the city's more bustling attractions. The surrounding Città Giardino Aniene offers a pleasant residential ambiance, allowing for a relaxed exploration of its unique character and the thoughtful planning that shaped this distinctive Roman district.

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https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Pubblico_(Roma)

Comments

Roberto Cecchini

25 Feb 2025

5.0 ★

Let's not confuse the (beautiful) building with the institution it houses. This is the symbol of Città Giardino Aniene and, along with the church, a key element of the heart of this residential complex built by Giovannoni in the 1920s. Its medieval appearance is even more pronounced in the adjacent building (the so-called "Cinema-Theatre"), and was originally intended to house municipal services (the municipal police station, as well as shops and an elementary school). The façade is concave, as if to complete the ideal embrace provided by the square, and its main feature is the union of the portico and the tower. Unfortunately, the addition of a third floor in the 1960s completely altered the original design, decreasing the height of the tower and making the overall appearance less harmonious. A peculiarity is that on the façade, on the arches of the portico, and on the frames of some windows, you can see stucco panels depicting animals and human faces (one of these faces is actually a self-portrait of the designer). From the beginning, it was planned to house the offices of the Municipal Delegation on the first floor and the elementary school on the second, but it soon had to be moved due to lack of space. After various phases (and a major restoration), the city hall returned to this location about fifteen years ago, and the building has once again become an active hub for neighborhood activities. The square has been cleared of the parking lot that had besieged it, but fortunately the Madonnina (which the Minisindaco wanted to move) has remained in place. It's a shame about that third floor; it remains a beautiful building. Need some info? Leave a like and check out my other reviews on Rome and beyond.

On the ground floor,