Coppedè: the fantasy district of Rome
This district is an unexpected and bizarre area in Rome tucked behind the main streets of Trieste area between piazza Buenos Aires and via Tagliamento. The fantastical mix of Ancient Greek, Roman Barroque, Manieristic, Medieval, and, overall, Art Nouveau mishmash was brought to life by architect Gino Coppedè in 1919 (from whom the district itself takes its current name). Coppedè worked on this district from the late 1910s until his death in 1927.
A bridge from "the big arch" with thousand decorations connecting two buildings is considered the triumphal entry of the district. A wrought iron chandelier in the center of the arc.instead is his a unique feature. The chandelier has asymmetrical details that enrich architecturally this element of particular importance, considering his location and his original idea.
That prominent component of the neighborhood is only the prelude to a set of particular use in buildings, in the decoration of palaces, fountains and small towers with stucco style baroque, medieval and art nouveau that excel in the atmosphere of this quiet corner of timeless Rome.
The entrance to the district introduces to Piazza Mincio with the Fontana delle Rane that becomes the main architectural element of the square, built in 1924 has 12 frogs and 8 figures supporting a large shell that rises up to two meters.
The main square is surrounded by many buildings, but the most characteristic with their abundant decoration are the Palazzina del Ragno and the Villino delle Fate. The Palazzina del Ragno is so named because of a large spider on the main facade, which recalls the Babylonian style.
Instead the Villino delle Fate is the result of an architecture asymmetric interlaced with decorative elements reminiscent of the women, his medieval style is also made harmonious by the use of different materials: marble, glass and travertine are blended for a unique artistic and curious result.
Thanks to its strange beauty, great and evocative, the Coppedé district has been used as the setting for many movies such as the horror “L’uccello dalle piume di cristallo” of the italian famous director Dario Argento, or the "Audace colpo dei soliti ignoti" with the great actor VIttorio Gassman.
Nature is the principal inspiration; daring and eccentric curved lines seek freedom from tradition, coexisting with modern sensuous ironwork. Coppedè is Rome’s answer to the Gaudì structures of Barcelona.
Getting There:
Take trams 3 or 19 to Piazza Buenos Aires.
Enter under a big arch on Via Tagliamento on the corner with Via Dora.
Recap: Coppedè is a little district between piazza Buenos Aires and via Tagliamento in the Trieste area, famous for his bizarre architectural style.
