Exploring Quartiere Coppedè
Embark on a journey through Quartiere Coppedè in Rome's Trieste Salario, a hidden gem of eclectic architecture and charm.
Attraction
Introduction
Quartiere Coppedè is a hidden gem in Rome, a whimsical and eclectic neighborhood that showcases the artistic vision of architect Gino Coppedè. Here, you can admire a mix of styles and influences, from Art Nouveau to Gothic, from medieval to Baroque, from ancient Rome to fairy tales. In this article, you will learn more about the history and significance of this unique area, as well as what to see and do during your visit.
Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations
Quartiere Coppedè is not a typical tourist attraction, and it may not appeal to everyone. It is a residential area, so there are no museums, monuments, or shops to explore. It is also relatively far from the city center, and it may take some time and effort to reach it by public transportation. However, if you are looking for something different and original, and you appreciate the beauty and creativity of architecture, you will not regret visiting Quartiere Coppedè. You can spend about an hour or two wandering around the streets and admiring the details of the buildings.
Tips for your visit of Quartiere Coppedè
- Bring a camera You will want to capture the stunning and quirky features of the architecture, such as the spider web motif, the frog fountain, the chandeliers, and the sculptures.
- Look up Don't miss the amazing roofs and balconies of the buildings, which are decorated with colorful tiles, mosaics, and ornaments.
If you want to learn more about the history and symbolism of Quartiere Coppedè, you can join a guided tour or download an audio guide app. You can also combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as Villa Ada Savoia, Villa Torlonia, or the Catacombs of Priscilla.
Practical Information
Opening Hours: Quartiere Coppedè is open 24/7, but it is best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the details of the architecture.
How to Get There: The easiest way to reach Quartiere Coppedè is by bus. You can take bus number 63 from Termini station or bus number 52 from Piazza Barberini. Get off at Piazza Buenos Aires and walk along Via Tagliamento until you reach the arch that marks the entrance of the neighborhood.
Price: Visiting Quartiere Coppedè is free of charge.
Crowds: Quartiere Coppedè is not very crowded, as it is not a popular tourist destination. However, it may get busier on weekends or during special events.
Weather Considerations: You can visit Quartiere Coppedè in any season, but it may look more charming in spring or autumn when the trees are in bloom or changing colors.
Photography: Photography is allowed and encouraged in Quartiere Coppedè. However, please be respectful of the residents and their privacy.
Accessibility: Quartiere Coppedè is accessible for people with disabilities, as there are no stairs or steep slopes. However, some sidewalks may be narrow or uneven.
Facilities: There are no public facilities in Quartiere Coppedè. The nearest toilets, cafes, and shops are located in Piazza Buenos Aires or along Via Tagliamento.
Tours: There are several tours available that include Quartiere Coppedè in their itinerary. You can choose from walking tours, bike tours, or electric scooter tours. You can also book a private tour with a local guide who can customize your experience according to your preferences.
Bringing Children: Quartiere Coppedè is a fun and fascinating place to visit with children, as they will enjoy the fairy tale atmosphere and the imaginative details of the architecture. You can also play a scavenger hunt game with them, looking for different animals, plants, or symbols hidden in the buildings.
Bringing Pets: Pets are welcome in Quartiere Coppedè, as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. Please clean up after your pet and do not let them disturb the residents or the wildlife.
These details are subject to change; please check the official website for the latest informationFrequently Asked Questions
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What is Quartiere Coppedè?
Quartiere Coppedè is a hidden gem in Rome, a small neighborhood that showcases a unique architectural style influenced by Art Nouveau, medieval, Baroque and ancient Greek elements. It was designed by the architect Gino Coppedè in the early 20th century and consists of 26 buildings and 17 villas arranged around a central square.
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How to get to Quartiere Coppedè?
The easiest way to get to Quartiere Coppedè is by bus. You can take the bus number 63 from Termini station or the bus number 52 from Piazza Barberini and get off at the stop Via Tagliamento. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes along Via Dora until you reach Piazza Mincio, the heart of Quartiere Coppedè.
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When is the best time to visit Quartiere Coppedè?
Quartiere Coppedè is open to the public at any time of the day, but it is especially beautiful in the morning or in the evening, when the sunlight enhances the colors and details of the buildings. You can also visit Quartiere Coppedè at night, when it is illuminated by street lamps and fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
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Is there an entrance fee to Quartiere Coppedè?
No, there is no entrance fee to Quartiere Coppedè. You can explore the neighborhood for free and admire its stunning architecture and decorations. However, you should respect the privacy of the residents who live in the buildings and avoid making noise or taking photos inside their courtyards.
Must see
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The Fountain of the Frogs
The Fountain of the Frogs is the most iconic feature of Quartiere Coppedè. It is located in Piazza Mincio and consists of a large basin surrounded by four stone frogs that spout water. The fountain was inspired by the fairy tale The Frog Prince and represents the harmony between nature and art. The fountain is also connected to a wrought iron arch that leads to Via Dora and displays a magnificent chandelier.
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The Villino delle Fate
The Villino delle Fate, or the Fairy House, is one of the most beautiful villas in Quartiere Coppedè. It is located on Via Aterno and features a colorful façade decorated with floral motifs, geometric patterns and mythological figures. The villa also has a tower with a clock and a balcony with a mosaic of a peacock. The Villino delle Fate is a perfect example of the eclectic style of Coppedè, who mixed different influences and materials in his creations.
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The Palazzo del Ragno
The Palazzo del Ragno, or the Spider Palace, is another impressive building in Quartiere Coppedè. It is located on Via Brenta and has a distinctive spider web design on its façade, along with other symbols such as bees, lizards and snakes. The spider web represents the artistic genius of Coppedè, who wanted to create a web of connections between his works and the city. The Palazzo del Ragno also has a balcony with a statue of Hercules holding a club.
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The Embassy of Finland
The Embassy of Finland is one of the most elegant buildings in Quartiere Coppedè. It is located on Via Panama and has a sober and refined style, with white walls, columns and arches. The embassy was built in 1921 as a private residence for an aristocratic family and later became the property of Finland. The embassy also has a beautiful garden with fountains and statues that can be visited by appointment.
If you want to discover more about Quartiere Coppedè, you can join a guided tour that will explain its history and secrets. You can also enjoy a coffee or a gelato in one of the cafés nearby or visit some of the other attractions in the area, such as Villa Ada, Villa Torlonia or Villa Borghese.
Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts
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The Fountain of the Frogs
The most iconic feature of Quartiere Coppedè is the Fountain of the Frogs, located in the center of Piazza Mincio. The fountain was designed by Coppedè himself and features four large bronze frogs spouting water. The fountain was also used as a location for the movie The Omen, in which a character commits suicide by jumping into it.
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The Spider Palace
One of the most striking buildings in Quartiere Coppedè is the Palazzo del Ragno, or the Spider Palace. The name comes from the large spider sculpture that adorns the facade, along with other symbols such as bees, lizards, and snakes. The spider is said to represent Coppedè's fascination with esotericism and occultism.
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The Embassy of Fairy Tales
Another remarkable building in Quartiere Coppedè is the Ambasciata delle Fiabe, or the Embassy of Fairy Tales. The building is decorated with scenes from famous fairy tales, such as Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and Pinocchio. The building also has a balcony with a statue of a knight holding a sword and a shield.
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The Iron Chandelier
The entrance to Quartiere Coppedè is marked by a large iron chandelier that hangs from an archway connecting two buildings. The chandelier was inspired by the one in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and features intricate details such as flowers, leaves, and lanterns. The chandelier is also illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
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The Villino delle Fate
The Villino delle Fate, or the Fairy House, is one of the most charming villas in Quartiere Coppedè. It was built in 1920 and has a fairy-tale style with turrets, balconies, and stained glass windows. The villa also has a beautiful garden with statues of mythical creatures such as fauns, nymphs, and mermaids.
Historical Background
Quartiere Coppedè was conceived by architect Gino Coppedè in 1913 as a project to create a new residential area in Rome. He was commissioned by the Società Anonima Edilizia Moderna (SAEM), a company that owned the land between Piazza Buenos Aires and Via Tagliamento. Coppedè had complete artistic freedom to design the area according to his vision and style.
Coppedè was influenced by various architectural movements, such as Art Nouveau, Gothic Revival, Baroque, and Medieval. He also incorporated elements from different cultures and eras, such as Greek temples, Egyptian sphinxes, Roman arches, and Renaissance frescoes. He aimed to create a harmonious blend of art and nature, using materials such as stone, brick, marble, iron, wood, and ceramic.
Coppedè worked on Quartiere Coppedè until his death in 1927. He completed 17 buildings out of the planned 26. His son Paolo continued his work until 1936, when he finished the last building. Quartiere Coppedè covers an area of about 31,000 square meters and consists of 40 villas and 26 apartment buildings. It is considered one of the most original and eclectic examples of architecture in Rome.
Nearby Restaurants
- L'Estro del Pesce A seafood restaurant that offers fresh and quality dishes with a creative touch. Try the tuna tartare with avocado cream or the grilled octopus with potatoes and olives.
- Ristorante Lin A Chinese restaurant that specializes in Zhejiang cuisine, which is known for its rich flavors and spicy sauces. Try the crispy duck with plum sauce or the spicy beef noodles.
- STREATART A pizza restaurant that serves authentic Neapolitan pizza with organic ingredients and a crispy crust. Try the margherita with buffalo mozzarella or the capricciosa with ham and mushrooms.
Nearby Attractions
- Villa Ada A large park that was once the residence of the Italian royal family. It has a lake, a forest, a playground, and a music festival in the summer.
- Villa Torlonia A neoclassical villa that was the home of Benito Mussolini from 1925 to 1943. It has a museum, a theater, and a park with sculptures and fountains.
- Via Veneto A famous street that was the center of the Dolce Vita in the 1950s and 1960s. It has luxury hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Conclusion
Quartiere Coppedè is a hidden gem in Rome that deserves to be discovered by curious travelers. It is a place where art and nature coexist in harmony, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. If you are looking for a different and original way to explore Rome, don't miss this opportunity to visit Quartiere Coppedè and immerse yourself in its fairy-tale world.