CARDI, Paolo Maria.

Pietralata, Rome's 21st quartiere, has a history stretching back to a large Roman estate. Its name, possibly derived from Latin for 'large fields,' reflects its natural landscape. The area evolved from a rural estate owned by various families, including the Pietralata, Lante, Ruberti, Poniatowski, Mazzetti, and Torlonia families, to become one of Rome's official suburbs, the 'borgate,' during the fascist era. These early developments included basic housing known as '7 lire houses.'

The history of Pietralata is marked by significant events, including a tragic massacre of partisans and a cyclist by the SS in 1943, known as the Eccidio di Pietralata. This event, along with the area's relative isolation, fostered a strong social identity influenced by the church and the Italian Communist Party (PCI). The quarter underwent redevelopment starting in the mid-20th century, with the demolition of old housing and construction of modern buildings, alongside efforts to address frequent flooding. Literary works by authors like Elsa Morante and Pier Paolo Pasolini have depicted the area's social conditions and struggles with poverty and illiteracy.

Originally a vast estate in the Agro Romano, Pietralata's name may stem from the Latin 'Prata Lata,' meaning extensive fields. This estate, spanning from Via Tiburtina to Via Nomentana, encompassed valleys and hills, eventually giving its name to the Pietralata family who owned it. Ownership later passed through several prominent families, including the Lante, Ruberti, Poniatowski, Mazzetti, and Torlonia families. During the fascist period, Pietralata was designated as one of Rome's official 'borgate,' intended to house a growing population. This led to the construction of rudimentary dwellings, colloquially termed '7 lire houses,' which lacked basic amenities like bathrooms and running water.

Pietralata's history is punctuated by significant social and political events that shaped its identity. A notable incident occurred on October 23, 1943, when nine partisans and a civilian were killed by SS forces, an event remembered as the 'Eccidio di Pietralata.' The area's perceived isolation from the city center fostered a strong sense of community, with the local church, particularly the Congregation of Sacramentine Sisters, and the Italian Communist Party (PCI) serving as key social anchors. Later, literary works by authors such as Elsa Morante and Pier Paolo Pasolini captured the quarter's struggles with poverty and educational challenges in the mid-20th century.

Starting in the 1950s, Pietralata began a process of urban renewal. The dilapidated '7 lire houses' were replaced by modern residential buildings. Efforts were made to address recurring flood issues, particularly those related to the Aniene river, with significant redevelopment works undertaken in 1979 that raised road levels. Further improvements in the late 1970s and 1980s included infrastructure development, such as the inauguration of the Pietralata Metro station in 1990 and the construction of the Sandro Pertini hospital. A notable urban project involved transforming a former landfill into a public square, initially named Piazza Risarcimento and later renamed Largo di Pietralata after resident advocacy.

The street names in Pietralata reflect the area's historical and cultural development. The original core of the quarter features streets named after minerals. Subsequent expansions honor mineralogists, geologists, and paleontologists. Other areas are dedicated to ancient Roman deities, writers, journalists, female scientists, and prominent politicians, particularly near the Roma Tiburtina railway station. There are also local place names and streets named after plants and vegetables, contributing to the diverse nomenclature of the quarter.