Roman residence

Journalists move into former Berlusconi palace

The Palazzo Grazioli (archive image)(Bild: AFP)

Italy's foreign press association is moving into the former palace of the late ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. The approximately 400 correspondents from all over the world will now be working in premises that were Berlusconi's residence and political office in Rome for many years.

The palace dates back to the 17th century and is known in Italy as Berlusconi's headquarters. The media mogul and long-time head of government met there with high-ranking international politicians, as well as escort ladies. Whenever Berlusconi was in Rome, Palazzo Grazioli was always surrounded by media representatives. A few bullet-proof windows remain from this era. A built-in cupboard shields a "secret" door that the politician used as an escape route.

Berlusconi had rented the palazzo from its owner, the noble Grazioli family, until 2021. He then moved to a quieter villa. On Tuesday, President Sergio Mattarella will inaugurate the new headquarters for foreign journalists. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Industry Minister Adolfo Urso are also expected to attend.

The historic building, which is 1600 square meters in size, has now been redesigned in line with the requirements of monument protection. It has two rooms for press conferences, as the association organizes hundreds of media meetings every year.