Wedekind Palace

Palazzo Wedekind, located in Piazza Colonna in Rome, is a fascinating example of neoclassical architecture that reflects centuries of history and urban transformations. Built in 1838 by architect Giuseppe Valadier on the orders of Pope Gregory XVI, the palace stands on the site of the ancient Temple of Marcus Aurelius, traces of which are still visible in the square. Valadier, known for his contributions to Roman architecture, designed an elegant building with a portico of Ionic columns, eleven of which came from the archaeological excavations of the Etruscan city of Veio. The palace’s portico is a distinctive feature that, with its ancient columns, gives the building a monumental and historically rich appearance. The inscription on the portico’s frieze reads: “Gregorius XVI Pontif. Max. in the year MDCCCXXXVIII had the front of the building adorned and a portico adorned with columns from Veio built”, emphasizing the origin and construction date of the portico itself. Over the centuries, Palazzo Wedekind has served various functions. Originally the residence of the vicegerent of the Vicariate of Rome, it later became the Office of the Pope’s Post Office. After the Unification of Italy, the palace housed the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Italy for a few years. In 1879, German banker Karl Wedekind purchased the building and commissioned architect G.B. Giovenale to renovate it in the eclectic style of the time. In 1918, Palazzo Wedekind became the headquarters of the newspaper “Il Tempo,” a role it held until 1922. Between 1937 and 1940, the palace housed the Gallery of Rome, and in 1937 Governor Giuseppe Bottai inaugurated an exhibition dedicated to artists such as Boccioni, Carrà, Modigliani, Casorati, De Chirico, Morandi, Severini, and Sironi, highlighting the cultural importance of the building. During the fascist regime, the palace housed the editorial office of the anti-Semitic magazine “La Difesa della Razza” from 1938 to 1943, and for a brief period in 1943 it was the headquarters of the Republican Fascist Party. Inside the palace are two particularly noteworthy rooms: the Angiolillo Room and the Montecitorio Room. The Angiolillo Room, located on the first floor, is decorated with a richly ornate ceiling and precious mosaics on the floor, designed by architect Giovenale in 1881. The mosaics depict classical scenes, including Apollo with a lyre, a young dancer, and an actor reading a scroll. The ceiling is adorned with representations of dance and telamons that seem to support the entire structure, evoking the elegance of Renaissance and classical salons that Wedekind sought to recreate. The Montecitorio Room houses a 17th-century tapestry from the Sciarra Collection and a painting depicting a donation in a Spanish church, attributed to an unknown artist. These decorative elements further enrich the environment, giving the room an atmosphere of great historical and artistic refinement. In the 20th century, the palace continued to be an important cultural and political center. After World War II, the palace returned to its original function as the headquarters of the newspaper “Il Tempo.” Today, the building is owned by the INPS (National Institute of Social Security) and houses a collection of 20th-century artworks. This collection, owned by the INPS, includes paintings, sculptures, and other art objects that reflect the artistic evolution of the last century. The location of Palazzo Wedekind, overlooking Piazza Colonna, makes it a landmark in the heart of Rome. The square itself is a place of great historical importance, dominated by the Column of Marcus Aurelius, erected in 180 AD to celebrate the victories of the Roman emperor. The column, with its sculpted reliefs depicting Marcus Aurelius’ military campaigns, is a lasting symbol of the greatness and history of Rome.