Architectural palazzo manifesto
Conceived inside Alda Fendi's arts foundation, this seventeenth-century palazzo lets guests sleep amid raw historical masonry and rotating contemporary gallery installations.
“The French architect Jean Nouvel has left his indelible imprint on the 3,500sq m space, not least in the 24 grand apartments...”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Raw seventeenth-century brickwork and peeling plaster meet monolithic stainless-steel kitchen modules.
Notable
A seventeenth-century residential palazzo preserving weathered masonry and original patterned floor tiles.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
it’s a collage of history, featuring elements from every century of the palazzo’s life, and seemingly unfinished surfaces contrast with ornate tilework and chic contemporary Italian luxury furnishings.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked into the ancient Velabro quarter, the palazzo stands directly beside the Arch of Janus, minutes on foot from the Forum Boarium.
The rooms
Monolithic stainless-steel kitchen cubes and beds on castors contrast with crumbling brick, faded plaster, and shutters printed with archival pre-renovation photographs.
Treatments
- Treatments
- In-room massage and beauty treatments available on request.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Rhinoceros Le Restau
Rooftop terrace tables look out over the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, serving contemporary Italian dishes and sunset aperitivi.
Even though the use of steel materials and contemporary furnishings makes for a thoroughly modern atmosphere, Nouvel kept some old paint intact…
How it began
Architect Jean Nouvel restored three conjoined seventeenth-century residential blocks, preserving centuries of layered wear to anchor an experimental contemporary art foundation.
Good to know
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Rhinoceros Roma
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.