The politicization of the landscape of Roma capitale and the symbolic role of the Palazzo di Giustizia

Abstract

Terry Rossi Kirk, The Politicization of the Landscape of Roma Capitale and the Symbolic Role of the Palazzo di Giustizia, p. 89-114. When Roma papale became Roma Capitale the city was transformed into an arena of Italian nationalist expressions by monumental works of architecture. The Palazzo di Giustizia is an integral element in the process of nationalization of the Roman political landscape. The Italian justice administration, centralized for the first time in this edifice, played a key role in clarifying the legislative authorities of the new State against the traditions of the Catholic Church beside it. The architectural symbol chosen to represent this has never been fully apprehended. The historicist amalgam, designed by Guglielmo Calderini (1837-1916), satisfied the Minister of Justice, Giuseppe Zanardelli (1829-1903), who personally supervised the project. Assuming a confluence of Zanardelli's political program and (p.t.o.) Calderini's architectural language, a close analysis of the architect's sources from Saint Peter's and their evolution in the specific urban context of the Prati di Castello is the foundation of a specific reading of the building. Evaluations of the architectural decorations, sculptural components, painting program and, finally, juridical pomp, again in reference to ecclesiastical symbols, can corroborate this speculation.