It’s no secret that Italy is home to some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring architecture in the world. From the Colosseum in Rome and the Duomo of Milanto Florence’s cathedral and The Royal Palace of Turin, Italy is home to some of the worlds most loved architecture. But what of the contemporary architecture that is changing the landscapes of Italy? Italy has a fantastic collection of modern buildings that are changing up the skyline, with as much beauty as innovation.

Italy’s best contemporary architecture

Besides its historical tradition, Italy is also a cradle of modern architectural innovation. Milan, Rome and Turin boast extraordinary buildings that blend contemporary design with local culture. In this article we will explore the most iconic projects that are defining the Italian urban landscape today.

Milan: innovative and chic

Milan is a leader in fashion and finance and is now also at the forefront of innovative modern architecture. Home to many of Italy’s best modern buildings, as well as a culture of restoration and innovation that perfectly marries the old with the new.

Torre Velasca

Soaring above the other buildings at a height of 1000 metres, Torre Velasca is an important part of Milan’s contemporary skyline. This building, completed in 1958 beautifully combines elements of the traditional architecture of its surroundings with a modern edge.

The vertical forest of Milan

These two residential skyscrapers designed by Boeri Studio are located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan. Both towers are adorned with over 90 plant species, covering the façades to create a green oasis.

Gucci Hub

The old Caproni factory in the eastern suburbs of Milan has been lovingly restored and converted into a modern, light and impressive set of spaces that include showrooms, galleries and office spaces of the prestigious fashion brand Gucci.

Rome: where historic and leading edge buildings live side by side

The Eternal City is home to renowned modern architects that are helping Rome be at the forefront of contemporary architecture, boasting some of the world’s most impressive architectural creations.

La Nuvola: EUR New Convention Centre

 This convention centre is home to an auditorium, exhibition spaces and even a hotel. The 55 thousand square metres space is earthquake proof and is a modernist masterpiece that sits harmoniously next to the 1930’s architecture of the neighbourhood.

Auditorium Parco della Musica

The most visited music venue in Europe and second in the world, this multi-use music auditorium was designed by Renzo Piano. It consists of three main halls that are surrounded by a 30 thousand square metre hanging park.

MAXXII Museum by Zaha Hadid

The first national museum of contemporary art in Italy and one of Rome’s largest architectural wonders, this immense building contains 2 museums, a library and various exhibition spaces.

Turin: where tradition meets state-of-the-art

Turin is an enchanting city, home to opulent castles, magnificent churches and squares, combining neoclassical, art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. However, the city also fully embraces the future, with awe-inspiring contemporary wonders to be discovered.

Verde 25

Verde 25 is an urban oasis in the heart of Turin, a wonderful example of modern sustainable architecture. Resembling a tree house, this office complex has wooden curved balconies and staircases. It’s adorned with over 150 trees and shrubs that seem to intertwine with the wood.

Campus Luigi Einaudi

The University of Turin is another example of the city’s important sustainable contemporary designs. Eye catching and modern buildings are joined by an open air canopy that lets natural light in, making it cleverly energy efficient.

Chiesa del Santo Volto

This futuristic church in Turin makes a real change from the classic surrounding churches. The intention was to reintegrate the old industrial areas into the modern city and this heptameter church and parish does just that.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino Airport

As you prepare to explore some of the best contemporary architecture in Italy remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

Transport at Fiumicino

 Within Fiumicino airport you will find the railway station, located near the arrivals and departure terminals. With frequent high-speed Trenitalia trains to the centre of Rome, onward travel becomes a breeze.

Milan, Rome and Turin are home to some of the most important contemporary architecture in Italy. Each building perfectly combines innovation, energy efficiency and beauty. So, next time you are in Italy, take a moment to appreciate not only the ancient wonders but also the contemporary architecture that is peppered throughout the country’s major cities.

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