Rome's Summer: How Much Public Space Do We Need?
In a contemplative essay, Stefano Ciavatta examines the public areas of Rome in the summer, emphasizing the conflict between shared spaces and privatized zones. Following the lockdown, these communal areas have slowly come back to life, with summer acting as a barometer for the city's core values. He references well-known locations such as the Appian Way and various parks, starting with Antonello Venditti capturing moments with students at his former school. Ciavatta expresses concern about ticketed areas that restrict social access, mentioning the closure of seating at Palazzo Farnese since the Bataclan incident. He highlights free outdoor cinemas and festivals, commending Piazza Testaccio and new parks like Parco Marconi, while also discussing feelings of isolation in places like Villa Ada and Villa York. He advocates for the reclamation of public spaces.
Key facts
- Essay by Stefano Ciavatta on Rome's public spaces in summer.
- Post-lockdown public spaces repopulated slowly.
- Appian Way mentioned with question about UNESCO status.
- Antonello Venditti filmed students singing at his old school.
- Girandola fireworks at Castel Sant'Angelo for Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
- Criticism of paid enclosures (recinti) privatizing public space.
- Palazzo Farnese travertine seating closed since Bataclan attack.
- Half Die festival at Porta Furba: free, over 20 years.
- Via Balilla annual celebration on June 15.
- Piazza Testaccio: 123 years old, four levels, three bench types.
- Parco Marconi: 3.5 hectares along Tiber, new public park.
- Free outdoor cinemas at Cervelletta and Monte Ciocci.
- Belvedere at Monte Ciocci offers view to Calatrava's Vela.
- Piazza Socrate battle for accessible terrace with St. Peter's view.
- Forte Antenne now accessible; Villa Ada Coffee house defaced; Villa York overgrown.
- Capocotta beach remains free.
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Ciavatta
- Antonello Venditti
- Sandro De Feo
- Niccolini
Institutions
- Artribune
- Centro Culturale Anziani Ponte a Corso Vittorio
- Accademia Americana
- Istituto Svizzero
- Unesco
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Appian Way
- Castel Sant'Angelo
- Tiber River
- Palazzo Farnese
- Porta Furba
- Via Balilla
- Porta Maggiore
- San Saba
- Circo Massimo
- Piazza Testaccio
- Parco Marconi
- San Paolo
- Cervelletta
- Monte Ciocci
- Piazza Socrate
- Balduina
- St. Peter's
- Forte Antenne
- Villa Ada
- Cave di Tufo
- Tor Cervara
- Villa York
- Capocotta