Rome, start of demolition of historic cottage: appeals fall on deaf ears

To no avail were the requests of Italia Nostra, which had sent a letter to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the appeals of intellectuals and even Vittorio Sgarbi’s attacks on the mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi: demolition of the little villa in Rome’s Coppedè neighborhood began yesterday in Rome. The little villa, which featured decorative elements typical of 1930s architecture, once belonged to a religious congregation. “The demolition of the building,” reads the statement sent by Italia Nostra, “will have the effect of irreversibly altering the unified and overall vision and perception of the context in which the property is located, a context of unquestionable historical and architectural value.”

Research in the archives had found the original plans for the building, dating from 1929-1931 (while the elevation is from the 1950s). An application for verification of cultural interest had been submitted to the superintendence for the small villa, located on Via Ticino, in 2014, which was then rejected, according to Oreste Rutigliano, president of Italia Nostra, told Repubblica (however, perhaps three years ago the demolition plans were unknown). In its place, after demolition, a new building will rise. Which will probably, say the experts who spoke, clash with the context in which it will be located. Italia Nostra will file a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office.

Pictured: the 1930s cottage being demolished. Photo from Google Street View.

Rome, start of demolition of historic cottage: appeals fall on deaf ears

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