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7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MARCH 2026 COMMERCIAL Corinthia Rome opens its doors ON the historic Piazza del Par- lamento, Corinthia Rome, lo- cated on the historic Piazza del Parlamento, opens the doors of a grand neoclassical palazzo, marking the Italian debut for Corinthia Hotels. The brand's commitment to modern heritage is expressed through the restoration of the former seat of the Bank of Italy. Carefully reimagined as a hotel, the project preserves the archi- tectural integrity, from its mon- umental structure to its original 1920s frescoes. The 9,700 square-metre, 60- key hotel marks the first Roman address for Italy's famed chef Carlo Cracco, and includes pan- oramic penthouses and a subter- ranean spa inspired by ancient bathing rituals, set within the building's original vault. Located in the neighbourhood of Campo Marzio, moments from the Pantheon, Roman Fo- rum and Spanish Steps the prop- erty is owned by Reuben Broth- ers and is their second hotel to be operated by Corinthia Hotels. Designed by Pio and Marcel- lo Piacentini, the property was constructed between 1913 and 1921. The restoration that gave rise to Corinthia Rome was envisioned not simply as a renovation but as a considered revival of the build- ing's architectural and cultural legacy. Led by hospitality design studio GA, the structure has returned to its original propor- tions, stripped of later interven- tions and reinterpreted through rigorous historical and philolog- ical research, revealing mosaics, stuccoes, cornices, painted ceil- ings and marble detailing. The symbolic heart of this rebirth is the former Council Chamber overlooking Palazzo Montecitorio, now transformed into the Theodoli Heritage Suite. A space of remarkable narrative presence, it preserves the original 1920s frescoes by Giulio Bargellini and a ceiling by Guglielmo Janni – an allegorical map tracing the history of Italian currency. Where pivotal financial deci- sions were once made, guests now rest beneath a painted cycle of civic virtues, symbolic pro- cessions and images of national prosperity. Now, as Corinthia Rome, that original language is reinterpreted: a former seat of power reopens to the city as a place where value is measured not in reserves, but in beauty, time and human connection. Corinthia's grand boutique ethos is demonstrated through grand architecture and the vi- brant social life of the hotel which is curated by Italy's celebrated chef Carlo Cracco in his Roman debut. At Viride, overlooking the interior garden, contempo- rary Italian cuisine is expressed through a refined, seasonal dia- logue with exceptional produce. Piazzetta evokes Rome's tradi- tion of lively, open-hearted hos- pitality, while Ocra Bar, in warm nocturnal tones, sets the scene for aperitifs and late evenings. "The opening of the Corinthia in Rome is another milestone for our Group," Simon Naudi, CEO of the Corinthia Group, says, "with a 60-year traditional of hospitality further expanding to major cities and resorts world- wide, with more to come soon in Italy and beyond". "Corinthia Rome was created to be experienced," says Danilo Zucchetti, Managing Director. "We invite the world to visit and fill this rediscovered building with vibrant energy. The authen- tic connection with Rome and its inhabitants is what matters most to us and is what makes the experience truly memorable, both for our guests from all over the world and for the Romans themselves" The 60 rooms, including 21 suites, are designed as private residences within the histor- ic fabric of the building. Gen- erous in proportion and filled with natural light, they feature high ceilings and large windows overlooking Rome or the inner courtyard. Restored architectur- al details are paired with con- temporary furnishings, creating a measured balance between heritage and modern comfort. The suites express the hotel's grand residential spirit. From the duplex Campo Marzio Suites to the Chigi Suite with its sweeping rooftop terrace, from the Arte Suite to the Theodoli Heritage Suite, each offers a distinct inter- pretation of Roman character. The Aurea Penthouse crowns the collection - inspired by the Domus Aurea and designed for complete privacy above the city. Where the bank vault once safeguarded financial reserves, it now protects a sense of person- al time. Inspired by the ritual of Roman bathing, the Corinthia Spa is an intimate, subterranean space shaped by water, mineral stone and softened light - a quiet counterpoint to the city above. The treatment menu developed in collaboration with Italian brand Seed to Skin and 111Skin London, combines botanical in- telligence with clinical innova- tion in rituals focused on deep regeneration. With signature treatments such as The Chrysa- lis and Reverse Signature Facial, the partnership with Seed to Skin brings international guests a distinctly Italian approach to wellness – marrying Tuscan bo- tanicals with advanced perfor- mance. Corinthia Rome returns a his- toric landmark to the city, reim- agined for contemporary life as Rome's eternally artful enclave.