The Fantastical Coppedè District Of Rome

Between the centuries of the might of the Roman Empire millennia ago and the continued power of the papacy throughout history, it is safe to say that Rome has had plenty of money invested in her appearance and infrastructure over the years. It is also safe to say that the city is one of the great architectural gems of the world, especially on such a scale and throughout so much of the city. Few other places can boast the same consistently stunning range and quality of architecture through such a large percentage of their square-meterage. Yet, even when you think you cannot be surprised by what Rome's architectural treasure trove has to offer, you stumble across something that you have never seen before: like Coppedè, the Eternal City's answer to Gaudì.

Located behind the main streets of Quartiere Trieste, between Piazza Buenos Aires and via Tagliamento, is the bizarre, beautiful and whimsical district of Coppedè. Tucked away as it is, many people never stumble across this tiny area, the smallest quartiere of Rome.

Quartier Coppedè was designed by the eccentric architect Gino Coppedè and built between 1913 and 1927 and combines a variety of architectural styles from different places and periods throughout history, such as Art Nouveau, Gothic, Baroque and ancient Greek. There are 40 structures located in the 31,000 square meters of the quarter and you can find everything from Florentine towers and Venetian palazzi and Baroque Roman buildings to Moorish arches, Gothic gargoyles, frescoed facades and palm-fringed gardens.

Located around a kilometer behind Villa Borghese, it is an easy walk from tourist areas and attractions you might already be visiting, such as Via del Corse, Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese. Enter by Via Tagliamento and follow the street to the beautiful Fontana delle Rane (Frog Fountain) in Piazza Mincio at the heart of the quartiere.

Other highlights of the area include the Palazzo del Ragno (Palace of the Spider) and the Villini delle Fate (Villas of the Fairies) but the whole area is worth wandering. You'll find incredible buildings, colourful plants and beautiful light – a perfect photo-op location!

Just find a holiday rental in Rome and stop by this extraordinary part of the city.