Undoubtedly, Rome is most famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum, which draw millions of visitors annually. However, many tourists tend to stay on the beaten path and overlook lesser-known areas and monuments. One such overlooked site is the Gasometro, located in the Ostiense district.

Nestled between the Tiber River and the Aurelian Walls, the Ostiense district is situated in the southern part of Rome. It derives its name from the Via Ostiensis, a significant road in ancient Rome. This route began near the Forum Boarium, the city's cattle market, and extended to the important seaport of Ostia Antica.

Ostiense served as an industrial area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable remnants from that era include Centrale Montemartini, a former power station that now houses part of the Capitoline Museums' collection. Another significant landmark from this era is the Gasometro.

I remember the first time I saw the Gasometro. While on the roof of "il Vittoriano," the unmistakable industrial cylinder caught my eye against the city's skyline. Not knowing what it was, I decided to check it out and find out more.

The Gasometro in Ostiense, Rome

I learned that the 90-meter-high Gasometro served as a gas storage facility. With an impressive capacity of 200,000 cubic meters, it stood as the largest of its kind in Europe. The Gasometro began operations in 1937. However, it quickly became obsolete in the early 1960s as the city moved to using methane, a safer and more natural gas. Other Italian cities, including Bologna, Florence, and Milan, experienced the same trend and featured similar industrial structures.

Rather than demolishing the Gasometro, Rome chose to celebrate its industrial heritage by incorporating it into the modern urban landscape. Today, the Gasometro provides a unique backdrop for various cultural and artistic events, exemplifying the concept of adaptive reuse!

Off-the-beaten path in Italy