A Grand Palazzo
A Story of Rebirth & Refinement
Set within a grand neoclassical palazzo dating back to 1914, GA’s design for Corinthia Rome celebrates a story of rebirth and refinement. Once home to the Central Bank of Italy, this distinguished landmark has been meticulously transformed from a place of formality and finance into a sanctuary of artistry, emotion, and contemporary sophistication.
We wanted to restore and reinterpret the palazzo’s intrinsic beauty, to reignite its spirit while sensitively weaving it into the rhythm of modern Rome. Every element of the design draws upon the city’s layered history, fusing heritage and innovation in a dialogue that feels timeless yet alive. The design draws inspiration from the idea of a palazzo passed down through generations – a residence of quiet luxury where every room tells its own story.
Intimacy & Connection
The hotel’s public areas are imagined as a series of elegant, intimate rooms gathered around a central courtyard garden, the living heart of the palazzo.
The Lobby Lounge evokes the warmth and sophistication of a private residence, with marble floors, layered textures, and a grand fireplace at its heart. Designed to encourage both interaction and relaxation, the space offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests to gather and unwind. At the opposite end, a private library provides a more intimate setting; a secluded space that can be closed off for private meetings or quiet conversations.
The Courtyard itself was enclosed when the building was a bank so our first step of planning was to open up the courtyard again to create this beautiful historical heart.
Viride by Carlo Cracco
Conceived as the chef’s own home, the restaurant invites guests into a dining experience that is both intimate and refined. Its palette draws inspiration from the gardens of grand Italian palazzi, which in turn inspired the restaurant’s name. Derived from the Latin viridis, meaning “green,” the restaurant reflects the hidden gardens of Rome, its fertile countryside, and the quiet rhythm of nature woven throughout the Eternal City.
Ocra
Ocra Bar was envisioned as a speakeasy-style destination, tucked just below ground level to create an intimate, cocooning atmosphere. The design is defined by a contemporary ceiling treatment that playfully reinterprets classical frescoes through a modern lens.
In place of traditional painted surfaces, the ceiling is adorned with shimmering gold glass mosaics that catch the light like scattered coins, a subtle reference to the building’s heritage as a former banking headquarters. This distinctive design gesture bridges history and modernity, creating a space that feels both richly rooted in its past and vibrantly contemporary.
Roman bathing rituals
Once home to the vaults of a prestigious branch of the Bank of Italy, the spa transforms a space of wealth into one of wellbeing, inviting guests to unwind where treasures were once kept safe. The design draws inspiration from the laurel wreath, an ancient Roman symbol of triumph, vitality, and honour, subtly interpreted through bas-relief features and intricate floor detailing throughout the space.
Roman Residences
The guestrooms are conceived as refined Roman residences: elegant, intimate, and layered with a quiet charm that reflects the spirit of the city. Four themed suites offer a more expansive and expressive experience, each with a private terrace overlooking Rome’s rooftops.
Theodoli Suite
The historic Theodoli Suite preserves original murals and mosaic flooring, while three additional suites unfold as distinct narratives of heritage and artistry.
(Completing Summer 2026)
