Romanian Academy in Rome

The Romanian Academy in Rome stands on the Pincio, a hill overlooking the Villa Borghese gardens in the heart of Rome. The villa itself was built in 1933 to house the academy, designed by the Romanian architect Petre Antonescu. It was founded in 1920 through the efforts of archaeologist Vasile Pârvan and historian Nicolae Iorga. The institution operates under the Romanian Academy and serves as a research centre for Romanian scholars abroad.

The academy’s work focuses on archaeology, history and art, linking Romanian and Italian academic traditions. It shares the Pincio with other foreign academies, including the American and British ones, creating a small international community of scholars. The building also hosts cultural events, exhibitions and conferences that promote Romanian culture in Italy. Its library holds collections of books and documents for research purposes.

Inside, visitors find a quiet villa with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The architecture blends classical Italian style with Romanian influences from the 1930s. The surrounding Pincio offers views over Rome’s rooftops and the Villa Borghese park below. The academy remains a place where Romanian and Italian scholars meet to study and exchange ideas.