Palazzo Fonseca: A Journey on the ‘Orient Express’ Through Art, Music, and Grandeur
Date of publication: December 23, 2025
Last updated: December 23, 2025 | 16:41
Just a few steps from the Pantheon, the ‘Orient Express La Minerva’ illuminates the seventeenth-century residence for the holidays with a super glam restyling, revealing all its beauties. Not all Christmas surprises are under the tree: the most fascinating ones are to be visited across the 7 floors of the new 5-star hotel in Palazzo Fonseca in Piazza della Minerva, already a Grand Tour destination for illustrious travelers like Melville and Stendhal.
The Orient Express La Minerva Experience
Inaugurated last April, the Orient Express La Minerva – the brand’s first luxury hotel, awaiting its next opening in Venice – lights up the seventeenth-century residence for the holidays with a super glam restyling, unveiling all its beauties. The notes of the orchestra welcome visitors on a journey that is poetry (a journey within a journey, just as the verses of Kavafis’ ‘Ithaca’ suggest), traceable in every detail: those who arrive know they are embarking on a new stationary experience, discovering the refined art of hospitality.
Architectural and Interior Design
The recent renovation, entrusted to Mexican architect Hugo Toro, enriches the property with Made in Italy furnishings curated in every detail, capable of defining the entire scenery of the journey, from the pastel shades of the suites (the largest is 200 square meters, and all have a view of the Pantheon) to the vibrant tones of the exclusive speakeasy, the brand new Wagon Bar.
Gourmet Delights and Culinary Journeys
And if the common thread is the theme of travel, the spaces and services of the newly opened hammam lead straight to Morocco, the art deco style and fusion cuisine of the Mimi Kakushi rooftop restaurant take you to the heart of Japan (upcoming opening), while the refined dishes of the Gigi Rigolatto rooftop, with a 360° view of the city, ensure the deliciousness of Mediterranean taste, even in the special reinterpretations for the festive menus, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. Then, to toast, a clink of good wishes under the attentive and benevolent nineteenth-century gaze of the Minerva statue, with the creative mixology of the Minerva Bar, and sweet and savory delights at the Festive Afternoon Tea Time. For a charming experience capable of celebrating the joy of the holidays in grand style, the most elegant sense of travel, and the unparalleled charm of the eternal city, observed from a unique and privileged perspective.
Contact and Further Information
For bookings and more information about special festive events and menus, please visit the official website or contact the hotel directly.
- Address: Palazzo Fonseca, Piazza della Minerva, Rome
- Website: [Official Hotel Website – not provided in source]
- Phone: [Hotel Contact Number – not provided in source]
- Email: [Hotel Contact Email – not provided in source]
Note: It is advisable to book in advance for festive events due to high demand.
Source: roma.corriere.it
