Palazzo Talìa

As you pass through the majestic wooden doors near Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, the whispers of ancient tales embrace you, and the fragrance of history fills the air. Thus begins an odyssey through the ages, where the rich tapestry of Rome's illustrious past unfolds before your eyes. The Palazzo Talìa hotel, a haven of luxury boasting 26 meticulously curated rooms and suites, seamlessly marries opulence with contemporary allure, guided by bespoke designs. Conceived by Federici, renowned for their prowess in construction and real estate, and fueled by a deep passion for the arts, this exquisite establishment will unveil to the world in May 2024. It now stands as the most coveted address in the Capital, beckoning discerning travelers and history enthusiasts alike to indulge in its timeless charm.

THE RICH INHERITANCE OF A STORIED PAST

Imagine stepping into a structure that's not just a building but a living testament to centuries
of human endeavor. That's precisely what you'll experience at the Palazzo Talìa Hotel – a place where the walls themselves seem to whisper tales of bygone eras, each layer adding depth to its rich narrative.
Originally constructed in the 16th century, this remarkable edifice served as the private residence of Angelo Maria Colocci, an esteemed humanist who once held the ear of Pope Leo X. Later, it was generously bestowed upon San Giuseppe Calasanzio by Cardinal Michelangelo Tonti, earning the moniker "Il Nazareno." Under Calasanzio's stewardship, the building evolved into the renowned Nazarene College, a bastion of learning that welcomed the likes of scholars, nobles, and even pontiffs.
But the story doesn't end there. In the annals of history, this building witnessed dramatic shifts – from resisting the occupations of Napoleon's forces to enduring the dark days of Nazi rule. It stood tall through it all, a steadfast sentinel of resilience.

In more recent times, its halls echoed with the footsteps of cinematic legends like Carlo Verdone and Christian De Sica, as well as the progeny of famed filmmakers like Rossellini and Leone. Artists found inspiration within its walls, and politicians shaped destinies within its chambers.
And yet, amidst this illustrious past, the Palazzo Talìa hotel stands as a beacon of modernity.
With a meticulous restoration project initiated in 2021, it now blends seamlessly with the contemporary landscape while preserving its architectural heritage.

"It doesn’t have the constraints of anonymous hotel chains, nor does it exhibit standardized luxury. To the contrary, it is highly distinctive, boasting a recognizable style and a personal touch. A palace infused with the syncretism of three centuries of history, yet also exuding contemporary flair," explains Engineer Elia Federici, the patron and driving force behind the project, alongside his family – his daughter Angelica, a Cambridge-educated art expert specializing in F&B, and Fortunato, responsible for hotel management within the Group.

STUDIOLUCAGUADAGNINO SETS THE SINGULAR CREATIVE TONE AND OVERARCHING INTERIORS THEME OF PALAZZO TALÌA BY DESIGNING THE PUBLIC & RECEPTION AREAS, THE TERRACE SUITE, AS WELL AS THE HOTEL’S RESTAURANT, BAR AND
WELLNESS SPA

Enter the team of studiolucaguadagnino, founded by Luca Guadagnino in 2017, who, after
honing their craft as interior designers, enthusiastically ventured into the world of hospitality
for the first time. ”Chromaticism guides the entire project, as does our close collaboration
with artisans. This aspect allowed us to experiment with various techniques. The project
itself is the result of a process aimed at achieving this balanced decorative synthesis,"
explains Pablo Molezún, project manager for studiolucaguagnino, underscoring the
importance of collective commitment.

"The notion of working with a director and having a space like this, theatrical and unbridled,
is what struck me. I admire Guadagnino's keen aesthetic sensibility, evident not only in his
films but also in his absolute modernity, attention to detail, and the quintessential Sicilian
tenacity in crafting bespoke experiences – a quality that's invaluable for Palazzo Talìa, where
craftsmanship reigns supreme. He knows how to interpret a contemporary yet timeless
elegance," adds Elia Federici.

studiolucaguadagnino designed the interiors of the common areas, including the hotel’s restaurant and bar. One of the stand-out pieces is a monumental carpet, acting as a sort of path-carpet to follow through the space, complete with a soft floral theme, created by Nigel Peake for studiolucaguadagnino, chromatically intense in hues that match the hotel’s color branding, from red to burgundy, and pink to burgundy: it winds, also, in an inviting trail along the staircase. leading to the noble floor, where additional rooms and the Magna Hall reside – 248 square meters of grandeur and magnificence adorned with 18th-century frescoes by painter Gaspare Serenari, destined for exclusive private events or reserved along with adjacent suites as the Talìa Suite.

studiolucaguadagnino also took on the task of designing the furniture, numerous furnishings
such as lamps, some wall coverings, and the Wellness Area, which pays homage to Roman
heritage with precious marbles juxtaposed with green majolica tiles sourced from Spanish
artisans, adorning the dome. This fusion led to an unusual yet harmonious final result and added to the unique and authentic personality of the interior spaces.

"What does it mean to undertake a project like hotel interior design? Perhaps it's one of the
quintessential expressions of this profession. This is because decorative arts are not only
enjoyed by guests but also by the public. The most exhilarating aspect was pondering how
to intervene in a place so steeped in history and tailor it a completely different, bespoke
garment to breathe new life into the palace," shared Pablo Molezún of studiolucaguadagnino.

The studio designed and personalized a special room on the top floor, the Terrace Suite: peach wood paneling, a sloping roof, soft and muted colors in shades of pink, a fireplace, a bed imagined as an alcove, and an extraordinary 66-square- meter terrace overlooking the inner courtyard. This urban oasis, brimming with tropical greenery and curated by landscape artist Blu Mambor, doubles as a vibrant lounge, housing the bar and part of the restaurant's seating, both open to all hotel guests.

MIA HOME DESIGN GALLERY AND LAURA FEROLDI STUDIO CURATE SUMPTUOUS
DESIGN ECHOES FOR “FLÂNEUR” TRAVELERS – THE INTERIORS OF 25 ROOMS

Architect Marianna Lubrano Lavadera from the design studio and store Mia Home Design Gallery, along with architect Laura Feroldi from Laura Feroldi Studio, designed the interiors of the 25 rooms, each unique and bespoke, as well as the hallways of the first and second floors. “The project for Palazzo Talìa originates from an in-depth study of the building’s history, with both its architectural overlaps and the different functions the structure has served over time. Every element was important in building out the concept: the geometry, the frescoes, the old floors, the statues. The goal was to shape a welcoming experience for demanding and attentive travelers, well represented by the French term 'flaneur' and understood as a wandering urban observer with a curious eye for detail in the city,” they explain. The all-female team wanted spacious, welcoming environments for Palazzo Talìa, with traditional design reinterpreted with contemporary style. Many of the room furnishings were exclusively designed for the hotel, such as the collection of multicolored tiles for the bathrooms, the round sofas in pink and burgundy hues, and the wrought iron canopy beds.

Together, there's a selection of products from designers and historical and emerging artisans, both Italian and international: from sconces made of handmade blown glass to brown and ivory striped wardrobe. “Each of our rooms is unique in volume and light, as is typical of historical palaces. The goal was to preserve and enhance these differences by creating timeless environments that combine classic and contemporary elements in a harmonious balance, evoking the natural overlap that occurs in an historical family residence. All with the comfort of a 5-star hotel,” they concluded.

“The choice of the interior design group stems, from the deep respect for studiolucaguadagnino, Mia Home Design Gallery and Laura Feroldi Studio, from their attention to detail, and last but not least, the professionalism, shared values and love for aesthetic harmony necessary for the renovation of an historical building, with a complex and challenging theme,” added Engineer Federici.