Image by Fabio Fontanella

If you are a contemporary architecture buff, you may want to visit the Church of Dio Padre Misericordioso. This is the church that American architect Richard Meier designed for the Jubilee year 2000. It is in the Tor Tre Teste neighborhood or, for most of us, in the middle of nowhere (Tor Tre Teste inhabitants please forgive me). Yes, it may indeed be a tad difficult to get to this isolated neighborhood but the real architecture buff knows no obstacles!

Once there, you will be able to witness a true masterpiece of engineering and architecture. Meier, also creator of the controversial building enclosing the Ara Pacis, designed it as part of a 1995 international architecture competition. The first stone was laid in 1998 and the church was inaugurated in 2003. The structure is composed of three white sails, evocative of a boat and symbolizing the Church navigating into the third millennium.

There is lots more symbolism of course: three sails as in the Trinity, five bells as in the five continents… While the church has lots of glass, it is designed so as to never allow direct sunlight inside. Supposedly though, there is a period in the summertime when sun-rays can filter through to the altar through a small opening in the back.

A note of interest: the church is built with a special coating which is supposed to have self-cleaning and smog-eating properties. Perhaps most buildings in Rome’s historic center should be redone with this material!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Dio Padre Misericordioso | Art & culture | Free
Via Francesco Tovaglieri | Outskirts | +39062315833
07:30 – 12:30 & 15:30 – 19:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome

Image by Lanificio 159

Lanificio is back on track and the season is getting hotter…no matter how cold is gonna be outside, this spot is a must see!

Exhibitions, performances, media, entertainment, creativity, shopping…there is always a good reason to pop up at Lanificio 159 and go a little outside of the city center. It may take you some time to get there (drop off at “B” metro line stop “Pietralata” and use the shuttle bus service or take a taxi for no more than 10 euro) but it will be worth it.

Lanificio 159 is, in fact, an “experience” in many senses. Starting from the location – a former industrial plant, overlooking the Aniene river (lovely terrace!) – to the many events that take place nearly daily, it definitely deserves a visit.

The DJ sets are among the best in town; “happy Sunday market” with the most interesting underground designer on the Roman scene (great shopping experience, if you know what I mean!); exhibitions and performances…there are even a media agency, a yoga school and a Dance Art Faculty on its premises!

Check out its website for updates and upcoming events right after the vacation time!

P.S. It’s one of my favourite spots in Rome…see you there!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lanificio 159 | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Shopping, Festivals & events | From € 2
Via di Pietralata 159 | Outskirts | +390641795350
May vary upon events and activities

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Rome