Palazzo Talìa is located in the heart of Rome, in the city’s historic, political, and shopping district – near the Trevi Fountain, the Italian Parliament, and the Rinascente megastore. This ancient building was once the home of Angelo Colucci, secretary to Pope Leo X, in the 16th century. In the 17th century, it was bequeathed by Cardinal Michelangelo Tonti (known as “The Nazarene”) to Saint Joseph Calasanz, founder of the Piarist Order, to establish a free school for deserving and underprivileged students. Thus began the Collegio Nazareno, the oldest educational institution in Rome and one of the oldest in Europe. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, it became the school of choice for the children of Rome’s aristocracy. In more recent years, its alumni included Carlo Verdone, Christian De Sica, and Dario Argento, before it finally closed in the early 2000s. After significant restoration, it has now been transformed into Palazzo Talìa, a luxury hotel. “A palace with a syncretism of three centuries of history, but also imbued with contemporary elements,” explains Elia Federici, the hotel’s owner.
The interior design of the common areas, restaurant, and bar was entrusted to director Luca Guadagnino – his first foray into hotel design – in collaboration with Mia Home Design Gallery. Meanwhile, the 26 guest rooms were designed by Laura Feroldi Studio, blending two design approaches where the duality of styles becomes a defining feature. The Bar delle Muse, with its ancient vaulted ceilings painted in grotesques, now features gleaming golden finishes. The grand common rooms are filled with custom-designed furniture, accessories, and objects, as well as a striking carpet by Nigel Peake. Everywhere, the past seamlessly merges with contemporary design.
On the upper floor, a majestic, long corridor is lined with 60 marble sculptures – busts of Roman emperors – leading to the 248-square-meter Aula Magna, now used for events and ceremonies.
The 26 rooms, while understated, offer a welcoming, intelligent, and thoughtfully designed simplicity.
The restaurant, Tramae, is helmed by head chef Marco Coppola, a native of Campania. His journey began in his family’s restaurant in Sorrento, followed by experiences in international kitchens and his own restaurant, Casa Coppola, in Rome, which has since relocated to the shores of Lake Trevignano. His menu reflects Campanian influences while incorporating classic Roman and Italian dishes. Ingredients are sourced from Solaria Azienda Agricola Boccea, a 270-hectare estate in the Roman countryside owned by the Federici family.
Tramae also offers outdoor seating in the magnificent courtyard garden, the heart of the palace – an oasis of greenery, peace, and history in the center of Rome.