palazzo talìa's 16th-century interiors get makeover by studiolucaguadagnino

inside the newly-opened palazzo talìa hotel in rome

The city of Rome welcomes an all-new hospitality haven, the Palazzo Talìa Hotel, offering 26 carefully designed rooms and suites with a modern luxury aesthetic. Created by Federici, a leader in construction and real estate, and inspired by a love of the arts, the hotel opened its doors in May 2024 with an eclectic interior scheme signed by Milan-based practice studiolucaguadagnino alongside Italian architects Marianna Lubrano Lavadera and Laura Feroldi, who took on the design of each room inside the hotel. ‘It doesn’t have the constraints of anonymous hotel chains, nor does it exhibit standardized luxury. […] A palace infused with the syncretism of three centuries of history, yet also exuding contemporary flair,’ explains Engineer Elia Federici.

all images © Giulio Ghirardi

a 16th-century building with a layered history

Originally built in the 16th century, Palazzo Talìa was once the private home of Angelo Maria Colocci, a humanist close to Pope Leo X. Later, it was gifted to San Giuseppe Calasanzio by Cardinal Michelangelo Tonti. It became known as ‘Il Nazareno.’ Under Calasanzio’s care, it served as the Nazarene College, welcoming scholars, nobles, and even popes. Over the years, the building, redesigned by the studiolucaguadagnino team, has witnessed major historical events, including resistance to Napoleon’s forces and survival through World War II. More recently, it has hosted filmmakers like Carlo Verdone and Christian De Sica alongside the children of directors such as Rossellini and Leone. Artists and politicians have also found inspiration within its walls. After a restoration that began in 2021, the Palazzo Talìa Hotel now offers a blend of historical architecture and modern design.

Palazzo Talìa Hotel, originally a 16th-century building in Rome

studiolucaguadagnino explores colors and artisinal design

studiolucaguadagnino led on the interiors of the hotel’s shared spaces, guiding its vision with chromatic themes and close collaboration with artisans, allowing the team to explore different techniques and create a balanced decorative style. A signature piece at Palazzo Talìa is the striking carpet by Nigel Peake that complements the hotel’s color scheme, from red to burgundy, and pink to burgundy. The carpet flows through the staircase up to the noble floor, home to rooms and the Magna Hall, a 248 sqm space with 18th-century frescoes by Gaspare Serenari, used for private events or as part of the Talìa Suite. In addition to the common areas, the studio designed the hotel’s custom furniture, light fixtures, wall coverings, and the Wellness Area, which combines Roman-inspired marble with green majolica tiles from Spain.

Meanwhile, the Terrace Suite, one of the standout rooms, sits at the top floor with a personalized design by studiolucaguadagnino: peach wood paneling, a cozy fireplace, a bed imagined as an alcove, and a 66-square-meter terrace overlooking the inner courtyard. This urban oasis, designed by landscape artist Blu Mambor, is a lush green retreat for hotel guests.

studiolucaguadagnino led on the interiors of the hotel’s shared spaces

Reflecting on the process, project manager Pablo Molezún describes hotel design as a key expression of the profession, combining decorative arts for both guests and the public. With Palazzo Talìa, the challenge lies in giving the historic building a new, custom identity while honoring its past. Elia Federici chimes in, noting that the design evokes the balance seen in many Roman residences, which are ornate but lived in simply. Indeed, the name Talìa was chosen in reference to the Greek muse of hospitality, art, and entertainment, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Throughout the hotel, this concept is woven into the details, from centuries-old frescoes to modern art, such as two pieces by Delfina Scarpa, a young Roman artist. The overall atmosphere is classical yet light, with refined touches seen even in the staff uniforms, designed by Claire Crowley, who drew on British and traditional influences, giving each area of the hotel its own distinctive look.

combining decorative arts for both guests and the public

palazzo talìa rooms by marianna lavadera and laura feroldi

Architect Marianna Lubrano Lavadera from Mia Home Design Gallery, along with architect Laura Feroldi, designed the interiors of the 25 rooms, each unique and bespoke, as well as the hallways of the first and second floors. ‘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 in contemporary style.

striking carpet by Nigel Peake complements the color scheme

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. A selection of products by designers and historical and emerging artisans, both Italian and international, populate these private spaces: 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,’ they concluded.

Chef Marco Coppola and his team lead the hotel’s culinary offerings, which take inspiration from Italy’s regions, including classic Roman dishes and Southern Italian specialties. The menu is crafted with ingredients sourced from the Federici family’s organic farm, ensuring a fresh farm-to-table experience. Additionally, Villa Pepoli, a vineyard once owned by the Volpi Guerrieri family and now part of the Federici estate, offers guests a unique wine-tasting experience, surrounded by historic ruins and lush vineyards.