Palazzo del Viminale is a historic palace in Rome designed by architect Manfredo Manfredi and officially inaugurated on 9 July 1925. The building was commissioned by Giovanni Giolitti as the nerve centre of Italian Executive, housing both the office of Prime Minister and the Ministry of Interior.
The palace comprises five floors with hundreds of rooms interconnected by crossed itineraries. Notable architectural features include the imposing three-arched entrance of the Palazzo della Presidenza, the staircase of honour in the Palazzo degli Uffici, the Council of Ministers room, and the entrance hall at piano nobile, distinguished by decorative wood, marble and stucco work. A side complex containing the boardrooms of the Minister is linked to the main building by an arched junction. The gardens and terraces extend to the surrounding streets.
About Manfredo Manfredi
Manfredo Manfredi (1859–1927) was an Italian architect educated at the Accademia di belle arti di Roma. He was instrumental in completing the Altare della Patria following the death of original architect Giuseppe Sacconi in 1905. Manfredi founded and directed the Scuola Superiore di Architettura in Rome from 1908 to 1920, and served as a member of the Italian Parliament between 1909 and 1919.
Details
- Designer: Manfredo Manfredi (design began 1911)
- Completed and inaugurated: 9 July 1925
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Function: Seat of Prime Minister and Ministry of Interior since 1925
- Structure: Five floors, hundreds of rooms
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Palazzo del Viminale?
Architect Manfredo Manfredi designed the palace, beginning work in 1911. Manfredi was a prominent figure in Italian architecture who also directed the Scuola Superiore di Architettura in Rome.
When was the palace inaugurated and what is its purpose?
Palazzo del Viminale was officially inaugurated on 9 July 1925. It was commissioned by Giovanni Giolitti and has served as the seat of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Interior since its completion, though the Prime Minister’s office was transferred to Palazzo Chigi in 1961.
What are the distinctive architectural features?
The five-story palace features a three-arched entrance, a staircase of honour, decorative wood and marble work, and a side complex linked to the main building by an arched junction. Gardens and terraces extend outward to surrounding streets.