Rome is known all over the world for its archaeology, art, and religious aspects. Today we are going to visit a lesser-known but beautiful area, one of the most characteristic and particular areas of Rome, a hidden gem in the heart of Rome - Coppedè District. The Coppedè district is a very restricted area located north of the capital, between Piazza Buenos Aires and Via Tagliamento.
Coppedè District, Rome
Piazza Mincio, 00100 Roma RM, ItaliaHistory
In fact, it is not a real neighborhood but an agglomeration of beautiful, richly decorated buildings that give a different aspect to the city. The Coppedè district was built around 1920 and took its name from the creator, Gino Coppedè. Mr. Coppedè was a Florentine architect - an artist who ranks among the greatest exponents of the Italian Liberty style. The buildings are a mixture of Liberty, Art Deco, with inspiration from Greek, Gothic, Baroque and medieval arts. They consist of five floors and are all enriched with decorations, turrets, arches, sculptures, and frescoes.
In the heart of Coppedè District
The entrance to the neighborhood is through a majestic arch, which connects the Palaces of the Ambassadors, and which is adorned with a splendid wrought iron chandelier. After passing the arch, you are in Piazza Mincio, where you can admire all the beauty of the architecture, and the Fontana delle Rane located right in the center of the square.
This fountain became famous when the Beatles, after a concert in a nearby disco, passed by here and took a bath in it. The Fontana delle Rane was inspired by both the Fontana delle Tartarughe located in the Jewish ghetto, but also by Bernini's Fontana delle Api, located in Piazza Barberini in Rome. In fact, on the edge of the upper tank, there is the sculpture of a bee.
Fontana delle Rane Roma
Piazza Mincio, 00100 Roma RM, ItaliaIn Piazza Mincio, we also find Palazzo Spider, the so-called for the presence of a glass window with a spider-shaped decoration above the entrance door. On the opposite corner, there is a building decorated with arabesque motifs, very characteristic, especially in its portal. In essence, it is the Palazzo di Cabiria, whose facade is completely inspired by the sets of the epic movie "Cabiria," produced in 1914.
Villino delle Fate
The most beautiful and most majestic building is undoubtedly the Villino delle Fate, located in another corner of the square. This is composed of three connected villas, each of them being dedicated to an important Italian city: Florence, Rome, and Venice. The decorations on the facades are made up of symbols and characters that pay homage to the city they are dedicated to.
The Corte Coppedè market
Another interesting experience in this neighborhood is a visit to the Corte Coppedè market, held every Saturday and Sunday inside the courtyard of the Church Santa Maria Addolorata. Artisans and antique dealers meet in this courtyard to offer the sale of truly beautiful objects, all "made in Italy." Cashmere and leather garments, vintage accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and much more.
Corte Coppedè Market Roma
Via Tagliamento, 6, 00198 Roma RM, ItaliaGelato d'Autore
Before finishing the walk, we can stop for ice cream in the nearby "Gelato d'Autore" ice cream shop, which produces excellent artisan ice cream, of the highest quality.
Gelato d'Autore Roma
Via Salaria, 260, 00198 Roma RM, ItaliaWell, today, we accompanied you on a walk in the secret Rome, the hidden Rome, the subdued Rome, the Rome that remains in the shadows. Yet, a place so beautiful - perhaps even more than the most touristic and famous Rome. We are waiting for you for a cultural and relaxing walk on a hidden gem in the heart of Rome - Coppedè district. Enjoy the moment!
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Mara Noveni
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