Convinced of Germany’s value as an ally, Hitler strongly supported the creation of this building. Here we stand before the Embassy of the Italian Republic. It is located on Hiroshimastraße. This imposing structure has a history as complex as the relations between Italy and Germany.
Originally built between 1938 and 1942, the embassy was designed by German architect Friedrich Hetzelt. Hetzelt was one of Hitler’s favorite architects. The building was intended to strengthen ties between Germany and Italy. Hitler wanted to impress Mussolini. He showcased Germany’s power and resources through this grand embassy.
Erected in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, the Embassy of the Italian Republic reflects a specific moment in history. Albert Speer planned this new diplomatic quarter. It was on the edge of the Tiergarten. The location emphasized the prominent position of Germany’s friends.
Before construction, 80 forced laborers demolished six city villas. They stood at Tiergartenstraße 21 a-23. The fortress-like complex began on October 10, 1938. The building features a pink plastered street façade. This sits above a base of Roman travertine.
Inside, the 200 rooms spared no expense. They used the finest materials like marble and Italian oak paneling. Representative halls boast decorative fountains. An eight-meter-high blue ballroom stands monumental. Lintels and friezes from a palazzo dating back to 1495 were even installed. This showed special esteem.
However, the lavishness was short-lived. The Embassy of the Italian Republic was damaged by bombs shortly after its completion in 1942. It was never officially inaugurated. After World War II, only a largely intact portion served as an embassy. Later, it became a consulate general. The remaining areas fell into disrepair for decades.
Following German reunification, Italy decided to restore the building. Roman architect Vittorio de Feo won the competition in 1995. His concept was to restore the building respectfully and as true to the original as possible. War damage was not to be completely repaired. It also wasn’t simply covered up or concealed.
After de Feo’s death in 2002, Berlin architect Stefan Dietrich continued the work as planned. Administrative, residential, and representative functions are distributed across the building’s three parts. These are the two wings and a main building.
Above the main entrance, a large three-story hall impresses visitors. The east wing houses representative rooms. It also contained the ambassador’s residence. The Italian Cultural Institute Berlin was located here too. The western chancery wing now houses the consular department and other administrative rooms. Even the bunker in the basement has been transformed. It is now an event room.
The architects’ concept seems to resonate. The color eliminates any restraint towards fascist design. It removes the architecture’s heaviness. It leaves it austere. Today, the Embassy of the Italian Republic also hosts cultural events. In March 2016, it hosted the first stage of the Goethe House Exhibition. This celebrated Goethe’s “Italian Journey.”
The Embassy of the Italian Republic actively promotes Italian culture. The Italian Cultural Institute operates independently within the embassy. It promotes the Italian language. It also promotes national musical, artistic, theatrical, and cinematographic heritage. The embassy itself also plans cultural events. This depends on the ambassador’s and his wife’s willingness.
Despite its difficult history, the Embassy of the Italian Republic stands as a testament to Italy’s pragmatic approach. They believe that coming to terms with the past should be characterized by acceptance and not repression. It’s a place where history, culture, and diplomacy converge. The Embassy of the Italian Republic stands not just as a building. It is a symbol of enduring relations.