The Four Maritime Republics

Map

The Maritime Republics by Mirko Basaldella, Palazzo dell' INPS

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The Palazzo dell' INPS (1938-52), which lies in the district known as EUR, boasts a beautiful bas-relief Le Repubbliche Marinare (1941), the work of Mirko Basaldella (1910-69). 

Le Repubbliche Marinare depicts the four ancient maritime republics of Italy. ​From left to right, we have Amalfi (shield with 'Maltese' Cross), Venice (St. Mark's winged lion), Genoa (St. George killing the dragon) and Pisa. The winged figure, at the top, holds a banner on which is written: 'SEMPRE AVANTI SIA PACE O SIA GUERRA SAN GIORGIO E SAN MARCO'.

The palazzo's other relief, Roma contro Cartagine (Rome against Carthage, 1941), is by Giuseppe Mazzullo (1913-88). 

The Palazzo dell' INPS, and its twin opposite, the Palazzo dell' INA, were designed by Giovanni Muzio, Mauro Paniconi and Giulio Pediconi, three architects who were inspired by the design of Trajan’s Markets in the centre of Rome. 

The bas-reliefs on the Palazzo dell' INA depict La Conquista dei Mari (The Conquest of the Seas) by Oddo Aliventi (1898-1975) and L'Impero fascista (The Fascist Empire) by Quirino Ruggeri (1883-1955).  

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Palazzo dell' INPS

Rome Against Carthage by Giuseppe Marzullo

The Conquest of the Seas by Oddo Aliventi, Palazzo dell' INA

The Fascist Empire by Quirino Ruggeri