XXI C Architecture

When in Rome, take a break from the ruins of colossal public buildings, lavishly ornamented palaces, triumphal arches and ceremonial gateways. Leave those magnificent banks of columns sprouting Corinthian capitals behind for a day, and fast-forward through the ages on a 21st Century Architecture Tour in Rome led by one of Viaggi di Architettura’s resident expert-guides.

There’s no better place to start than Richard Meier’s elegant Ara Pacis Museum and a stroll across the Villa Borghese park brings us, in total contrast, to the MACRO, Rome’s Museum of Contemporary Art. The Flaminio neighbourhood a little to the north holds a small cluster of attractions. Leaving the Flaminio district for Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, there’s a wonderful contemporary surprise hidden away in the solemn historic buildings. From an urban planning perspective, the whole Testaccio-Ostiense-Marconi area south of the city centre also makes an interesting study. A nice stop would be the so-called Museo dell’Ara Pacis, Rome’s first architectural space, situated in the historical centre of the city. Another museum of interest is the MAXXI museum, a national museum of arts dating from the 21st century. We also suggest a visit to the Nuovo Centro Congressi La Nuvola (by Massimiliano Fuksas), a newly-opened modern congress centre in the EUR district which can host various sorts of events; from conferences and exhibitions to exhibitions and shows. Moreover, the great Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in the Parioli neighbourhood (by Paolo Portoghesi), it does not qualify as 21st-century, however, it makes for an extraordinary sight.

 For information, reservations or special requests on routes dedicated to Rome by Viaggi di Architettura.