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Church of St Thomas Apostle in the Infernetto district: contemporary architecture on the southern outskirts of Rome
The Church of San Tommaso Apostolo is located in Infernetto, a residential neighborhood on the southern outskirts of Rome, along Via Cristoforo Colombo heading toward Ostia, near the Castelporziano pine forest. Designed by architect Marco Petreschi, it is a piece of contemporary architecture in brick and travertine.
A neighbourhood in search of a social centre
The name Infernetto comes from the charcoal kilns that once dotted the area: the slow-burning fires used to produce charcoal, seen from a distance, were reminiscent of hell ("inferno"). Today it is a growing residential area, but one lacking real spaces for people to meet up. In the year 2000, the Diocese of Rome launched a competition programme inviting firms to build parish complexes in Rome's expanding outskirts. San Tommaso Apostolo was a result of that initiative.
Brick, travertine, and beams of light
Petreschi was already known for the papal stage at Tor Vergata for the Jubilee of 2000. For this new project he used traditional Roman materials, exposed brick and travertine, in a contemporary key, forging glazed slits and horizontal cuts to filter the light. The interior is laid out on a square matrix, with eight circular pillars and a roof traversed almost entirely by the symbolic transparency of the sign of the cross. The bell tower features a solid volume with a square floor plan and hollowed-out corners, faceted elements, and suspended walkways. The entire building is a veritable landmark for the whole neighbourhood.
Location
The building is located at Via Lino Liviabella 93, Rome.
