CASA PERTINI VOLTOLINA
Piazza di Trevi, 86, 00187 Roma RM
Rating: 4.9 ★ (951 ratings)
Details
CASA PERTINI VOLTOLINA is a unique apartment nestled among the rooftops of Rome, preserving the enduring spirit of one of Italy's most cherished couples, Sandro Pertini and Carla Voltolina. This former private residence, located within the 19th-century Palazzo Castellani at 86 Piazza della Fontana di Trevi, offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the beloved former President of the Italian Republic and his devoted wife. Choosing to reside here rather than the official Quirinale Palace, the couple maintained a simple, authentic lifestyle, which is beautifully reflected throughout the home. Having reopened to the public in 2025, it stands as the first private presidential residence in Italy accessible to visitors, providing a truly distinct historical and cultural experience.
Visitors can explore the faithfully preserved rooms, which house a collection of original furnishings, documents, photographs, books, and artworks, offering a palpable connection to the couple's daily existence. A particular highlight is President Pertini's famed collection of one hundred pipes, including notable gifts from figures such as Enzo Bearzot and Luciano Lama. The journey through the historic spaces of Palazzo Castellani may also reveal a statue of Sappho in the atrium. A visit culminates on the "Tricolour Terrace", the highest point overlooking Trevi Square, where one can marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the Trevi Fountain, the Quirinal Palace, and the sprawling Roman skyline, often accompanied by complimentary Rossana candies.
This special museum appeals to those with a keen interest in Italian history and the personal narratives of influential figures, offering a more heartfelt and less formal experience than traditional museums. It is perfectly suited for thoughtful individual visits or small, guided groups seeking to understand the modest yet profound life of Sandro Pertini, often referred to as "the most beloved President by Italians". The overall appeal lies in its power to evoke emotion and provide a genuine sense of stepping back in time, fostering a deep appreciation for the couple's legacy and values.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact
+39 06 5656 9001 | https://www.casapertinivoltolina.it/
Architecturally, Casa Pertini Voltolina is characterized by its restrained elegance—clean lines, balanced proportions, and a thoughtful use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and plaster. Rather than imposing itself upon its surroundings, the structure integrates harmoniously with the landscape, a defining principle in many Italian rural and semi-urban dwellings. The design emphasizes light, spatial clarity, and continuity between interior and exterior spaces, often achieved through large openings, courtyards, or garden-facing facades.
What distinguishes Casa Pertini Voltolina is not merely its form, but its underlying philosophy. It represents a continuity of place—where architecture is not an isolated object, but part of a living narrative that includes land, memory, and community. In this sense, the house aligns with a broader Italian approach to habitation: one that values permanence, proportion, and the quiet dignity of well-crafted space.
In a contemporary context, such residences are increasingly appreciated not only as private homes but as cultural statements. They demonstrate how tradition can remain relevant without becoming static, and how modern interventions can respect historical identity without diminishing it. Casa Pertini Voltolina, therefore, stands as a subtle yet compelling example of how architecture can function as both shelter and cultural expression—anchored in history, yet open to the present.