The Acquario Romano (Roman Aquarium) is located in the Esquiline neighbourhood. It owes its construction to Pietro Carganico, an ichthyologist originally from Como who came to Rome in the early 1880s to build an aquarium and a fish farm. His projects were approved by the local authorities in 1882 and considered in line with the ideological approach of politician Quintino Sella, who wanted to make Rome a new centre of science.
The fish tanks in the central room were in use until 1894; the room was set up for cultural events, especially theatrical and film exhibitions. Following restoration work and renovation of the decoration, the aquarium reopened in 1993 and, since then, has hosted performances and exhibitions.
The entrance atrium features frescoes of Aquarius with a little garden, a small pond and the monument to Victor Emanuel II. The richly decorated central room has a double row of cast-iron Corinthian columns that support the upper gallery and the ceiling, while a double row of Corinthian half-columns and pilasters run along the perimeter walls which once held niches for the fish tanks, today bricked in. Panels above the tanks, painted by Silvestro Silvestri, feature scenes inspired by water with cupids, fauns, water nymphs and followers of Bacchus.
Roma Lazio Film Commission
Via Tuscolana 1055 — 00173 Roma
Phone: +39 06 72286273/320
Fax: +39 06 722 1127
Email: info@romalaziofilmcommission.it
