canyone who frequents Rome knows that Piazza Augusto Imperatore, in the heart of the historic center of the capital, has been waiting to be reborn for decades. And now it finally happened: Bulgari inaugurated its store yesterday with a big party full of international stars first Capitoline hotel, and perhaps the most symbolic of all, the closest to the history of the high jewelery Maison.
Bulgari Hotel Rome, room with a view
It seems incredible today, but this 1938 building designed by thearchitect Morpurgo, overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus and flanked by the Ara Pacis, was originally the administrative headquarters of the National Institute of Social Security, INPS. Today, however, it is one statue of Augustus dating back to the 2nd century AD. c. to welcome guests, ei floors inspired by those of Livia Drusilla embellish the Bulgari suite.
Yet the magnificent ones spiral staircases, surrounded by iridescent mosaic tiles are still the original ones. And even the corridors have remained untouched in their structure protected by the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage. But the spirit of the place has definitely changed since yesterday.
Where offices once stood, we have magnificent rooms with views and colored marble bathrooms. Where there used to be an abandoned terrace, sofas and luxuriant plants now offer an oasis of peace and beauty to customers and guests. The merit of this aesthetic and functional rebirth isarchitect Patricia Viel and the vision of Bulgari’s Hotels & Resorts division.
The statue of Emperor Augustus, dating back to the 2nd century AD and coming from the Torlonia collection, was recently restored with the support of Bulgari and is part of an exhibition which will see different pieces from the collection alternate in different parts of the Bulgari Hotel Rome. (Press Office)
All the colors of marble
Everything here has been thought to maintain a strong bond with the place where the hotel stands – the Emperor Augustus square – and the city of Rome. So in the bathrooms of the rooms and in the swimming pool the mosaics recall those of the Baths of Caracalla (partially restored with the contribution of the maison), while the bathrooms are all of different colors, given by the types of marble that the Romans themselves used.
And so, as thehotel manager Carlo Bevilacquaif you find a yellow bathroom, you will walk on slabs from Iran, if red from Sudan, the greens and whites instead come from Brazil.
Those who should then opt for the room in the Spa for the couple’s treatment will be able to have a hydromassage surrounded by the brightness of the magnificent Brazilian Onyx marble.
Aperitif and dinner overlooking Rome
In addition to the Spa and the hairdresser, which can also be accessed by reservation for non-hotel guests, there is also the spectacular panoramic terrace will be open to everyone from aperitif time. A truly suggestive way to enjoy the sunset over the city counting domes and historic buildings. From the Gianicolo to Trinità dei Monti, from Villa Medici to the Pantheon, the gaze does not know where to stop.
The menu then, as per tradition for all Bulgari Hotels in the world, is curated by the multi-starred chef Niko Romito, who has created an offer respectful of the local culinary tradition for the café on the ground floor. Thus, in addition to the Maritozzo for breakfast, here you can taste pasta cacio e pepe, supplì and also the ricotta and sour cherry tart. In addition to many other delicious Chef’s specialties.
In the restaurant on the 5th floor, overlooking the mausoleum of Augustusthe menu is instead the one designed for all hotels, with a new plate tribute to the Emperor: a trout with dried fruit cream inspired by the documented culinary passions of the prince.
In the footsteps of Livia Drusilla
The luckiest of all then, by renting the Bulgari suites of 300 square metersthey will be able to walk on mosaic floors which replicate those – very modern – designed by the second wife of the Emperor Augustus. In addition to having a private cinema room, a living room with a table for exclusive dinners and a bathroom with a marble tub carved from a single block. All for just two people.
For larger families, there is no shortage of suites that are spread over two floors.
A dive where the water is warmer
And when the time comes to take a little relaxation, a 2000 m2 spa on three levels offers treatments of all kinds, including those for couples in the Spa suite, an almost 25-metre swimming pool where you can free your mind of all thoughts and an equipped gym.
What to ask for more?
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