Discover Quartiere Coppedè: Rome’s Hidden Gem of Fairytale Architecture
Looking for a hidden gem in Rome that makes you feel like you're on a mythical quest? Let me introduce you to Quartiere Coppedè, a magical neighbourhood that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and whimsical charm, it’s one of Rome’s most underrated spots.
I often get tips from close friends who know my love for uncovering unique places in Rome. When a friend suggested Quartiere Coppedè, I knew I had to share it here. In this blog post, I’ll explore its fascinating history, what makes it so special, how to get there, and whether it’s worth visiting during your time in Rome.
Short history of Quartiere Coppedè
Quartiere Coppedè is located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Rome, Trieste. Built between 1913 and 1927, it was designed by the eclectic architect Gino Coppedè, whose name the area now carries. After his passing, the work was completed by his son-in-law, Paolo Emilio Andrè.
The neighbourhood has around twenty buildings, each with one of over sixty uniquely designed facades. The mix of medieval, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles gives Quartiere Coppedè its distinct and magical vibe, making it unlike anything else in Rome.
Tip: If you want more information about the area, you can click this link to go to the official tourist page!
What to See in Quartiere Coppedè
As you may have gathered by now, visiting Quartiere Coppedè is a very cool experience. It really feels like stepping into a different world. As a fantasy girlie myself, I always appreciate a little fairytale escapism.
The neighbourhood of Quartiere Coppedè is pretty small, so if you just want to admire all the beauty, half an hour is enough to explore everything. If you want to take a more in-depth look, a morning in the quartier should be perfect! Whatever your plans are, there are a few highlights no one should miss!
Arch of the Palaces of the Ambassadors
The first thing I saw when visiting Coppedè was this amazing archway. It serves as the entrance to Quartiere Coppedè and really sets the tone for the magical world waiting on the other side. It is pretty dramatic, and it features a large chandelier in the centre, surrounded by impressive carvings and decorations.
Piazza Mincio
At the heart of Quartiere Coppedè lies Piazza Mincio, a charming square that perfectly captures the area’s whimsical character. Its centrepiece is the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs), a cute and unique (that is saying a lot in Rome!) fountain. Walking through the archway and stepping into this square made me feel like I had entered a weird miniature world, definitely not Rome.
The Fairies’ Building (Villino delle Fate)
In my opinion, the most magical building here is the Villino delle Fate (the Fairies’ Building). It’s known for its fairytale-like vibe, with medieval arches, intricate details, and a stunning mosaic at the entrance. The mosaic shows three girls playing musical instruments and references the Greek mythological daughters of Zeus. While the building is residential and not open to the public, the fact that someone lives there gives me hope for the future... a girl can dream!
Spider Palace (Palazzo del Ragno)
Another building near Piazza Mincio is the Palazzo del Ragno (Spider Palace). It gets its name from the large spider motif on its facade. The building’s mysterious and slightly eerie charm makes it a standout attraction in the area.
How to Get to Quartiere Coppedè
As I mentioned earlier, Quartiere Coppedè is located in the Trieste neighbourhood, and it’s not the easiest to reach. My suggestion would be to take the Metro Line B (the blue line) to either Sant’Agnese/Annibaliano station or Policlinico station. From either of these stops, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the quartier.
You can also reach it by bus or tram. There are stops nearby on Viale Liegi, Piazza Buenos Aires, Via Tagliamento, and Via Po. For trams, you can take lines 3 and 19, and for buses, look for numbers 63, 86, 92, or 630. If you'd like more details on navigating Rome's public transport, check out my public transport guide for beginners!
Is Quartiere Coppedè Worth Visiting?
Let’s see... in Rome: check, small and easily walkable: check, stunning architecture: check, whimsical fairytale vibes: check, not touristy at all: check!
In my opinion, Quartiere Coppedè is a must-visit whether you're in Rome for just a few days or if you live here and have somehow never been. It’s so different from the rest of the city that it truly feels like a hidden gem! However, it’s important to note that there are no cafés or restaurants within the Quartiere itself, so be sure to plan ahead and bring your own snacks or head to nearby spots for a bite to eat, one of my favourite sandwich shops is pretty close by!
With its rich history, eclectic architecture, and fairytale charm, Quartiere Coppedè is absolutely worth a visit, and it will transport you to another world.
I’d love to know if you've been here before, and if you have any hidden gems in Rome to share! Drop a comment or reach out to me on Instagram!
