Department of Utilities
SANTA ROSA CAR PARK
The large square of Santa Rosa was chosen as the area for a new car park, also because it had been used as a space to park vehicles owned by the Vatican since the beginning of the last century.
The overall project design for the redesignation of this area called for a multi-level, geometric structure built below and above ground using materials similar in style to another parking area near the Vatican train station (Parcheggio della Stazione, 1997).
The architect was especially careful to make sure that the new structure did not alter the view of existing buildings and that the part above ground did not appear out of proportion in relation to St. Peter’s Basilica or the Palazzo del Belvedere.
The new complex is characterized by two underground levels, each square-like in shape and wide open inside. Some parts are covered with a translucent canopy of around 200 square metres in order to restore spaces reserved for large vehicles and the car park facilities. The two underground levels are each 3500 square metres and connected to another area of 1300 square metres in order to allow for 280 parking places, in addition to those reserved for Vatican offices.
The two underground levels and the top above-ground level are interlinked and allow for exiting the Vatican. The central area has two elevators also accessible by people with disabilities. The front of the building faces Via S. Luca and has a portico design, while the front of the interior part is simpler, realized with more rational spaces and shapes until the panorama of brick of the nearby laparelliane walls begins again.
Decoration is limited to the use of travertine around various openings and corners. The building emphasizes functionality more than stylistic elements giving it a very simple appearance with colours and materials which are in hierarchical rapport with the existing buildings.
During the excavation work, ancient burial grounds of the I and II century were found (for reference, consult the information on the northeast sector the necropolis Autoparco 1957, Annona 1930, Galea 1930).