Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Staying in Rome is an opportunity to dive into centuries of rich history, but did you know that even the building where you are staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast has a fascinating story to tell? Located in the heart of the Prati district, our B&B is situated in a beautiful Umbertine-style building, a symbol of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture in Rome. This post will take you on a journey through the history of the building, Prati, and the creation of the Bank of Italy, all linked to an intriguing financial scandal that shaped modern Rome.
A Building Born from Ambition and History
The building where QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast is located was initiated in the late 1800s and completed in 1923, in the wake of the tumultuous years following the Banca Romana Scandal. The original construction company went bankrupt during this period of economic instability, and the building was later purchased by the Bank of Italy, which was founded in 1893 as a direct result of the scandal.
Despite the troubled beginnings, the Umbertine-style architecture, typical of the late 19th century, remained a cornerstone of elegance in the Prati district. The architectural style is named after King Umberto I and is renowned for its grandeur, with majestic facades, intricate details, and sturdy, well-planned structures. Today, these buildings are considered among the most prestigious and beautiful in Rome, far from the decadence often associated with their history.
Our building, where QuodLibet is located on the fourth floor of Scala A, exemplifies this beauty and solidity. It’s a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort, offering our guests a unique opportunity to stay in a place that reflects the spirit of old Rome while providing all the modern amenities.
The Scandal That Shaped Rome: The Birth of the Bank of Italy
The history of this building is intertwined with one of Italy’s most significant financial events: the Banca Romana Scandal. After Italy’s unification, Rome experienced a boom in construction, and the newly established Prati district was a key area of expansion. However, reckless urban speculation and poor financial management led to the collapse of several construction companies and banks, including the Banca Romana.
The scandal erupted when it was revealed that the Banca Romana had been issuing duplicate banknotes and was deeply in debt. This scandal prompted the creation of the Bank of Italy in 1893, an institution that still plays a central role in the Italian economy today. The Bank of Italy even owned our building for a period, and it was under their stewardship that construction was finally completed in 1923, securing its place as a symbol of Rome’s recovery and architectural resilience.
Why Stay in a Building With Such a Fascinating Past?
Choosing QuodLibet means immersing yourself not only in the charm of modern Rome but also in its entwined history of elegance and intrigue. The Prati district itself, with its wide avenues and elegant facades, is one of Rome’s most desirable areas. Close to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, it offers a calm and refined atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, while still being well-connected by public transportation. In fact, from our B&B, you can quickly reach iconic landmarks via the Ottaviano San Pietro metro station.
The Beauty of Umbertine Rome
While the story of the Banca Romana may sound like the plot of a historical drama, the result is far from dramatic decay. In fact, the Umbertine-style buildings of Rome, especially in areas like Prati, are now considered some of the most beautiful and well-preserved structures in the city. Walking through the streets of Prati, you can admire the grand facades, elegant balconies, and sophisticated architectural details that define this period.
The building that houses QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast is no exception. From the moment you step through its entrance, you’ll be enveloped in the atmosphere of a time when Rome was undergoing rapid modernization, and yet, the charm of tradition and craftsmanship was never lost.
Plan Your Stay in a Piece of Roman History
Staying at QuodLibet means more than just finding a comfortable place to rest your head; it’s an opportunity to experience Rome from a unique historical perspective. We’re proud to be part of a building with such a rich and important past, and we invite you to explore not only the streets of Rome but also the stories that reside within its walls.
Whether you’re here to visit the Vatican, admire the grandeur of Prati’s architecture, or uncover the hidden histories of the Bank of Italy, QuodLibet offers the perfect base for your Roman adventures.
