Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center On-site Review Report (Rome, Italy)

The Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre of Rome was officially inaugurated in 1995 after 20 years of design and construction when the idea of its establishment was envisioned as an international competition in 1976. The centre is located 5 km to the north from the city centre. It sets in Prioli district, a residential area of the upper-middle class at the foothills of Villa Ada park and Monte Antenne, serves the growing number of Muslims that moved to Rome, and provides educational and cultural services to both Muslim and Italian communities. Due to considerable coverage the project has received in international publications and media, the centre has acquired regional and international architectural significance. The final realization of the project is a synthesis of elements that are derived from historic references of Islamic, Roman, and Baroque architecture. The incorporation of these elements into a unified whole results in a unique landmark that speaks to the Islamic and Western worlds.