Ex Rome's former slaughterhouse, Former industrial complex in Testaccio, Rome, Italy
Ex Rome's former slaughterhouse is an industrial complex built with multiple brick halls connected by metal beams, featuring large rectangular doorways across each facade. The structure displays functional design typical of 19th-century meat processing plants with a straightforward layout.
The complex opened in 1890 to replace an earlier facility located at Piazza del Popolo and became Europe's largest meat processing center of its time. Operations continued until 1975, when the facility closed permanently.
The complex shaped local food culture, as workers once received portions of meat as part of their wages, inspiring traditional Roman recipes that people still cook today. This connection between labor and cuisine remains visible in neighborhood cooking traditions.
Today the site functions as a cultural venue hosting a music school, contemporary art shows, markets, and events under the name Città dall'altra Economia. Different areas may be in use at different times, so it's worth checking which spaces are accessible during your visit.
Metal hooks for meat transport remain visible throughout the structure, showing the original system used to move processed meat between halls. These details offer visitors a glimpse into how operations were organized in the working facility.
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