Marco Piva: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel

Circular forms, arches and vaults, marble and stone, brass and bronze, together with skillful use of light, are the key elements of a contemporary setting that prompts a sense of surprise while paying homage to the cultural, aesthetic and emotional identity of a site that shifts its appearance with the changes of the very special light in Rome.

Material is the true protagonist here. Starting with the lobby, where the arches of the galleria-promenade leading to the elevators and staircases are made in bronze, and contain an LED lighting system that creates a classic effect in the entire ground floor area, reflecting on the uniform flooring in polished Sahara Noir marble.

“Light is generated by the forms of the structure, while several chandeliers provide iconic luminous objects to add character to the communal spaces such as the gourmet restaurant and the lounge bar,” the architect explains. The relaxing, welcoming atmosphere of the public spaces on the entrance level, including a restaurant (the second one is on the sixth floor), is enhanced by the presence of a small bar featuring a circular lighting fixtures not unlike the upper oculus of the Pantheon.

The rooms on the five upper levels are based on a concept of maximum personalization, offering spectacular views of the Pantheon, Piazza Sant’Eustachio and Via di Santa Chiara. Each of the 79 rooms, including 20 suites, is furnished with custom items. The wardrobes, for example, are minimal, autonomous units, grouped in vertical blocks on a shared base, like columns on a single foundation.

It goes without saying that great care has gone into the design of the exclusive coverings and the choice of materials and colors, as in the bathrooms which play with the texture of traditional stone ‘crafted’ by time, in a juxtaposition of marble and glass.

Every suite features selected works of art created for the occasion by Marco Piva, inserted in special glass cases, as well as objects related to cultural events in Rome, exhibitions in progress, immersing guests in the historical and contemporary spirit of the city.

The luxury experience also includes culinary offerings supervised by the chef Luca Ludovici, in a setting of excellence. The Dionysus restaurant on the ground floor is organized under a vaulted ceiling, enhanced by exquisitely crafted art objects of local origin, with an open kitchen displayed by means of an LED glazing that can become opaque on command, or left transparent to allow guests to observe the preparation of the dishes.