Accommodations at Rhinoceros are defined by their 'Superior Apartment' configurations, offering a spatial freedom rarely found in Roman hotels. Each apartment is a bespoke creation, featuring open layouts that emphasize light and historical textures. The design incorporates high-end finishes, including bespoke kitchens hidden behind stainless steel surfaces and bathrooms that serve as minimalist retreats. Large windows frame the ancient streets of the Velabro district, allowing the city’s timeless beauty to become the backdrop of your stay. The blend of high-speed connectivity and historical gravitas ensures these spaces are as functional for the modern traveler as they are evocative for the dreamer.

Amenities

Location

Address

Via Del Velabro 9, Rome, Italy

Dining and Atmosphere

The social heart of the building is the Caviar Kaspia Roma, located on the top floors. This world-renowned Parisian institution brings its signature elegance to Rome, offering a sophisticated menu that pairs perfectly with the dramatic views from the terrace. Whether you are enjoying a breakfast bathed in the morning light of the Roman Forum or a glass of wine as the sun sets over the domes of the city, the atmosphere is one of refined exclusivity. The seamless service and understated glamour make it a premier destination for travelers looking to experience Rome’s culinary scene from a truly unique vantage point.

The Neighborhood

The Velabro neighborhood is one of Rome's most storied corners, a valley nestled between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills. This is where history feels most tangible; the hotel is situated directly in front of the Arch of Janus and the ancient church of San Giorgio al Velabro. Far from the tourist-heavy crowds but within a ten-minute walk of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the area offers an atmospheric, quieter perspective of the city. Guests can wander through narrow cobblestone streets that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries, discovering hidden trattorias and artisan workshops that embody the true Roman spirit.

About Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros is more than a hotel; it is a cultural landmark located at Via del Velabro 9, in the evocative heart of Rome. Conceived by the Alda Fendi Foundation and designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the property occupies a meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo. This 5-star residence offers a unique 'habitable art' experience, where historical remnants like original patinated walls and vaulted ceilings are juxtaposed with industrial steel, glass, and mirrors. Each Superior Apartment is a masterclass in modern minimalism, equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens and luxurious living spaces that feel like private galleries. The crown jewel of the palazzo is the multi-level rooftop terrace, home to the acclaimed Caviar Kaspia Roma. Here, guests can enjoy world-class dining with unobstructed 360-degree views of the Arch of Janus, the Palatine Hill, and the sprawling Roman skyline. With a Booking.com rating of 9.2, Rhinoceros is celebrated for its seamless blend of impeccable service, artistic integrity, and its prestigious location just steps away from the Roman Forum. It is a sanctuary for those who seek to live at the intersection of history and modernity.

A Visionary Living Experience in Rome’s Ancient Heart

Rhinoceros is not merely a hotel; it is an avant-garde cultural experiment conceived by Alda Fendi and realized by architect Jean Nouvel. Situated within a 17th-century palace at the foot of the Palatine Hill, this unique establishment blends the raw history of Rome with cutting-edge contemporary design. The space serves as a residence d’art, where the boundaries between a private apartment and a gallery are blurred. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an environment where exposed brickwork meets state-of-the-art technology, creating a dialogue between the eternal past of the city and the modern luxury of today. Every corner of the palazzo is curated to inspire, offering a stay that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply comfortable.

The Artistic Vision

The concept of Rhinoceros revolves around the idea of a 'habitable sculpture.' Jean Nouvel has preserved the scarred beauty of the original building, keeping the layers of history visible on the walls while inserting sleek, modular elements of modern luxury. This contrast creates a visual narrative that is unlike anything else in the Eternal City. Beyond the rooms, the building houses exhibition spaces and the prestigious Rhinoceros Rhinoceros Gallery, ensuring that art is always just a few steps away. The experience is further heightened by the rooftop views, which offer a 360-degree panorama of the Roman Forum and beyond, making it a sanctuary for those who appreciate the intersection of heritage and innovation.

Jean Nouvel designed interiors
Exposed 17th-century architectural details
Art installations throughout the palazzo
Panoramic terrace overlooking the Arch of Janus
Exclusive cultural residency atmosphere

Discover the Soul of Rome

Staying at Rhinoceros is an invitation to see Rome through a different lens. It is a place for those who seek more than just a room—it is for the traveler who wants to live within a piece of art. The combination of Jean Nouvel’s architectural genius and the Alda Fendi Foundation’s cultural spirit provides a backdrop of unparalleled sophistication. From the meticulous service to the storied walls of the Velabro, every element is designed to create a lasting impression. Whether you are in the city for a romantic escape, a creative sabbatical, or a deep dive into Roman history, Rhinoceros provides the perfect, avant-garde home base for your journey.

The Nova Collection Says

The hotel features ultra-chic apartments designed by Jean Nouvel, showcasing avant-garde luxury within a 17th-century heritage building.

Design Forward

Rhinoceros is located in the Velabro neighborhood, nestled between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, directly in front of the Arch of Janus and the ancient church of San Giorgio al Velabro.

Historic Splendor

Far from tourist-heavy crowds, the hotel is situated in Velabro with cobblestone streets and artisan workshops that embody the true Roman spirit.

Hyper Local

The hotel boasts breathtaking rooftop views of the Roman Forum, offering a panoramic terrace for guests.