Piazza Cavour

Piazza Cavour, located in the Prati district of Rome, is an imposing and historically significant square that reflects the urban transformation of the city at the end of the 19th century. The square is dedicated to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, one of the key figures of the Italian Risorgimento and the first Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy. The construction of the square began in 1884, but was only completed in 1910 due to the simultaneous construction of the Palace of Justice, colloquially known as the “Palazzaccio”. Designed by architect Guglielmo Calderini, the Palace of Justice was completed in 1911 and is one of the most imposing buildings in Rome, characterized by an eclectic style with Renaissance and Baroque influences. Its monumental facade and grand entrance staircase make it a dominant visual landmark in the square. At the center of Piazza Cavour stands the monument dedicated to Camillo Benso, created by sculptor Stefano Galletti between 1885 and 1895. The monument was inaugurated on September 24, 1895 by King Umberto I, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the liberation of Rome. The statue of Cavour is surrounded by bronze allegories representing Italy and Rome, Thought and Action, and Strength, symbolizing the fundamental principles of the Risorgimento. The square is also characterized by a large public garden, designed by Nicodemo Severi and inaugurated in 1910. The garden is adorned with various species of plants, including palms from Ventimiglia, pines, oleanders, privets, viburnums, cercis, and pomegranates, creating a green oasis in the heart of the Prati district. Next to the monument to Cavour and the Palace of Justice, Piazza Cavour houses other significant historical buildings. Among these, the Teatro Adriano, inaugurated in 1898, which was originally a lyric theater and is now a cinema. The presence of these buildings gives the square not only historical but also cultural importance, making it a reference point for Romans and tourists. An interesting anecdote concerns the nickname “Palazzaccio” given by Romans to the Palace of Justice. This nickname initially reflected a certain disapproval of the size and architectural style of the building, considered too imposing and out of scale compared to the surrounding urban context. However, over time, the Palazzaccio has become a symbol of justice and the judiciary in Rome.