Galleria Alberto Sordi (Alberto Sordi Shopping Arcade): American News Service Office, Rome
In the Roman Holiday movie, Joe Bradley serves as a journalist at the American News Service Office in Rome. For those curious about the actual location of the office, it was set in the Alberto Sordi Gallery, formerly known as the Colonna Gallery Palace, in Colonna Square.
While the interior scenes of Joe Bradley’s workplace were filmed in a studio, the view outside the window accurately featured sights in front of the gallery, such as the marble Column of Marcus Aurelius, built in 193 AD, and the Colonna Square fountain, dating back to 1577.
The gallery itself, inaugurated in 1922, is a shopping arcade that also serves as one of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers’ headquarters. It was built on the former site of the 17th-century Piombino Palace demolished in 1888. The building is known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and striking stained-glass ceiling.
Following a 2003 restoration, it was renamed in honor of Alberto Sordi, a renowned Roman actor. Today, the gallery remains a prominent architectural and commercial hub, offering an array of high-quality shops. While some modern chain stores have appeared, the arcade still showcases Italy’s finest brands in a unique setting.
Beyond shopping, the Alberto Sordi Gallery may also provide a much-wanted escape from the hustle of Via del Corso.
While the interior scenes of Joe Bradley’s workplace were filmed in a studio, the view outside the window accurately featured sights in front of the gallery, such as the marble Column of Marcus Aurelius, built in 193 AD, and the Colonna Square fountain, dating back to 1577.
The gallery itself, inaugurated in 1922, is a shopping arcade that also serves as one of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers’ headquarters. It was built on the former site of the 17th-century Piombino Palace demolished in 1888. The building is known for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and striking stained-glass ceiling.
Following a 2003 restoration, it was renamed in honor of Alberto Sordi, a renowned Roman actor. Today, the gallery remains a prominent architectural and commercial hub, offering an array of high-quality shops. While some modern chain stores have appeared, the arcade still showcases Italy’s finest brands in a unique setting.
Beyond shopping, the Alberto Sordi Gallery may also provide a much-wanted escape from the hustle of Via del Corso.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Galleria Alberto Sordi (Alberto Sordi Shopping Arcade): American News Service Office on Map
Sight Name: Galleria Alberto Sordi (Alberto Sordi Shopping Arcade): American News Service Office
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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