A historic Roman villa becomes Philippine Embassy headquarters
ROME, Italy — Yeah, it looks cool and contemporary now, but this Roman property designed by renowned architect Giulio Magni (1831-1925) and built in 1906 houses thousands of stories, told and untold. Through the years, the Pacelli family villa has become the summer residence of a pope (Pope Pius XII); a donation to the Congregation of The Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate; as well as the property of an AS Roma football club owner (Franco Sensi), the United States (as residence of the Ambassador to the Holy See), and Delta Bank. A multitude of figures have passed through its doors: princes, pontiffs, football players, bankers, politicians and assorted dignitaries. If only its halls could talk.
Now, as the new Philippine Embassy to Italy building located on Via Aurelia near the Baldo degli Ubaldi station in the Rome Metro, it has become a place of pride for our countrymen in this storied, historic part of Europe. New embassy digs, new beginnings — great timing since 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ambassador Domingo “Ding” Nolasco shares the story of its acquisition.
“We looked at a lot of properties,” says Nolasco. “One consideration is that it should be near a public transport station for our employees and countrymen living here in Rome — bus, subway, for convenience. The place must be presentable to cultivate a sense of pride. One major requirement also was spaciousness for the welfare of our embassy staff — kesa siksikan tayo, which is not something you want to endure after experiencing a pandemic, may space tayo to do our work in the service of Filipinos.”
It was through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acquisition initiative and the help of Senator Loren Legarda that the embassy was able to secure the new location.
Around that time, then-Congresswoman Legarda’s dream was to establish a permanent space for the Philippine Pavilion in the Venice Biennale (countries such as Germany, France, Japan and Korea, among others, have their own properties in the Giardini). Nolasco sought her help in acquiring Villino Pacelli. She delivered. Plans were set into motion.
One very important factor in building the new chancery is adherence to the senator’s ecological concerns. Aside from following what’s mandated by law (reduction of carbon footprint, placement of energy-efficiency measures and a rainwater-collection system to help ease the effects of climate change, etc., as well as accessibility for persons with disability, etc.), the Philippine embassy boasts an impressive solar panel system. Like Legarda, Nolasco is also a stickler for green architecture and energy conservation.
“For lighting, we use LED mainly and Kerakoll (wall application) for natural ventilation to improve air quality,” says the ambassador as he leads us on a tour of the rooms and halls. “This is a tribute to Senator Legarda’s environmental advocacy.” He adds that the garden is ideal for planting flowers and vegetables. Cobblestones snake around the building. A fountain is carved with the sun and three stars from the Philippine flag.
To think that even before the pandemic, the ambassador was concerned that — with the expanding embassy workforce — the old embassy site in Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro was becoming too cramped for comfort. When COVID-19 made it essential to reevaluate how we live and work, the search for a new home became a priority.
In 2019, the ambassador met with architects Claudio Butturini and Daniella Capulli for the renovation project on the grandeur that is Villino Pacelli. Two years later, its inauguration was led in person by DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
The building has five levels, consisting of high-ceilinged rooms ideal for reception, waiting, office and meeting areas. The ground floor (Piano Rialzato) has 40 workstations, while the first floor (Piano Secondo) has 42. The basement (Piano Seminterrato) can be reconfigured into a large office space. The roof terrace (Piano Coperture) offers a panoramic view toward the Vatican and other surrounding areas.
Up on the roof under the bluest skies you will ever get to see is a spectacular view. Not a cloud in sight, only old stones and an unfolding of everyday stories. The kind that can outrun even the swiftness of time.
