Excavations at Casa del Jazz: Landslide Discovered, Prefect Calls for Caution
Rome, March 5, 2026 – Work continued yesterday at the Casa del Jazz in Rome, located on Viale di Porta Ardeatina. Firefighters, coordinated by the prefecture and supported by Carabinieri, resumed excavations in the tunnel of the villa, which was confiscated in the 1990s from Enrico Nicoletti, the cashier of the Banda della Magliana, and later transformed into a cultural center owned by the Municipality of Rome.
Prefect Lamberto Giannini and former judge Guglielmo Muntoni, president of the Chamber of Commerce’s observatory on economic crime and promoter of the investigations, were present at the excavation site.
Further Exploration Required for Safety
“We have completed part of the exploration and gone beyond the wall, where we found what appears to be a gallery, but a section of it has collapsed due to a landslide. Further time will be needed to proceed safely and complete the exploration,” stated Prefect Giannini during a live appearance on Rai1’s ‘Storie Italiane’ with Eleonora Daniele.
Giannini clarified, “Under the Casa del Jazz, there is a gallery that has been explored, but at this moment, there are no new significant findings. We need to go further, so the site remains monitored, guarded, and sealed, and we will continue in the coming days. This property was for a long time at the disposal of a significant criminal organization and is now under the control of the State. What drives us, and what moves the prefecture in coordinating these works, is the need to eliminate all doubts and leave no room for uncertainty.”
Commitment to Uncovering the Truth
Regarding the Adinolfi family and Pietro Orlandi, Giannini added, “I spoke with them; they are following what is happening, and I told them only one thing: we will diligently carry out all necessary checks to ensure there are no further mysteries here. Clearly, what happened to their loved ones, not having news, is something terrible. That is why I believe it is our duty, and the State’s duty, that if there is even a minimal verification to be made, even if it is costly, time-consuming, and involves many forces, the State must do it. The judicial police are present to ensure that as soon as anything of interest to a prosecutor and investigative material emerges, everything will stop at that moment, and a prosecutor will intervene.”
Lorenzo Adinolfi, son of Judge Adinolfi, also spoke, stating, “The Prefect’s commitment seems crucial to me, and we hope the investigation will lead to the discovery of the truth. We do not feel reassured because my father’s story is full of inconsistencies, and this is just one of many pieces explored over the years. There is commitment, and that is the best guarantee for all of us.”
Background of the Casa del Jazz
The Casa del Jazz, once a villa owned by Enrico Nicoletti, a figure linked to the Banda della Magliana, was confiscated by the state in the 1990s as part of efforts to combat organized crime. It was subsequently transformed into a public cultural center, hosting jazz concerts and events. The ongoing excavations are part of a broader investigation into potential hidden structures or secrets related to its past use.
Previous Discoveries and Ongoing Investigations
This latest discovery follows previous reports of underground structures at the site. Earlier investigations had identified a possible access point to a subterranean passage, though the entrance was found to be walled up. Radar probes had also indicated the presence of sensitive points beneath the property, prompting the current series of detailed excavations. The involvement of the prefecture underscores the seriousness of the ongoing search for clarity regarding the villa’s history and any potential links to unresolved cases.
The authorities are committed to a thorough examination, acknowledging the historical significance of the site and the need to address any lingering questions, particularly in light of the concerns raised by families affected by past events that may be connected to the property.
Further updates on the excavations and any new findings are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses with the utmost caution and diligence.
Source: https://www.romatoday.it/cronaca/scavi-casa-del-jazz-muro-frana.html
