Mattatoio Testaccio
Mattatoio Testaccio

Mattatoio Testaccio is a former slaughterhouse turned cultural hub in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. Originally the largest slaughterhouse in Europe, it now houses contemporary art spaces, an architecture school, and a vibrant alternative enclave. Explore the site's industrial past and immerse yourself in its modern art scene for a unique and memorable experience in Rome.

Welcome to Mattatoio Testaccio, a unique landmark in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome. This old slaughterhouse holds a fascinating history and offers a glimpse into the development of Rome's meat industry. Inaugurated in 1890, the mattatoio replaced the previous slaughterhouse located in Piazza del Popolo to accommodate the growing population of Rome.

The strategically chosen location of Testaccio allowed for easy access to the city center and the Tiber River, which was used to transport livestock and meat products. The slaughterhouse was known for its advanced technology, with each type of meat butchering confined to its own pavilion. Thanks to an efficient system of large meat hooks, unnecessary handling and contamination were avoided.

Testaccio itself was built as affordable housing for the slaughterhouse workers, who needed to live nearby to keep the operations running smoothly. These workers, too poor to afford the meat they handled, were given part of their wages in-kind. They received the "quinto quarto," which refers to the fifth quarter of the animal and includes the leftover parts such as blood, intestines, brain, and nerves. These culinary remnants now form the base of the Cucina Romana, with classic dishes like coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtail) attributed to the inventive men of the Testaccio slaughterhouse.

Although the slaughterhouse was decommissioned in 1975, the mattatoio has recently experienced a revival, paralleling the gentrification of Testaccio. While most of the old pavilions remain closed to the public, some have been repurposed as a contemporary art space and architecture school. In the rear, where animals were once kept, you'll find the Città dallaltra Economia, an alternative enclave with a hipster bicycle shop and organic market. This area also hosts a variety of events, from vinyl record sales to food and beer festivals, making it a vibrant and dynamic space.

Whether you're interested in the history of Rome's meat industry, contemporary art exhibitions, or simply soaking up the alternative atmosphere, a visit to Mattatoio Testaccio is a must. Explore the wide-open spaces, imagine the bustling activity of the past, and discover the unique charms of this transformed urban relic.