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Every Roman has a favorite gelateria, but Palazzo del Freddo (literally, Palace of Cold) is one joint that everybody can agree on when it comes to eating prime gelato.
Giovanni Fassi’s Palazzo del Freddo is the oldest and largest ice-cream vendor in Italy. Giovanni’s father, Giacomo, started the family business way back in 1880. After generations of delicious desserts, the surname Fassi will forever be synonymous with gelato in Rome.
Aside from the usual assortment of ice cream, Palazzo del Freddo also serves some original desserts that are equally delicious.
Sampietrini: a tasty choclate-ice inspired dessert that resembles the cobblestones of Rome.
Micione: an ice-cream sandwich. According to Palazzo del Freddo it was named micione (big cat), because it is so good you’ll want to lick your whiskers after eating!
Ninetto: ice-cream on a stick named by Giuseppina after her husband, Giovanni Fassi who was also known by the nickname Ninetto.
As for the next generation, Giovanni’s child Leonida has kept the business in the family to this day. While there is still only one store in Rome, there are now two international franchises; one in Korea and the other in Los Angeles.
Located by Termini Station on Via Principe Eugenio, 65, Rome – Italy – 00185
Closed Monday
– Contributed by Ian Zurzolo, (see bio, writer, editor, American University of Rome Senior, Italian Notebook Editorial Intern.
Palazzo del Freddo is one my favorite ice cream shops in Rome… Another gelaterie on my top list is Procope in Piazza Re di Roma,not too far from San Giovanni cathedral, and San Crispino in Piazza della Maddalena, a few steps from the Pantheon. :)
Next time you are there take some photos of these yummy treats! The look on the guys face in the lower left say it all!! I’ll have to tell my friends about this place when they visit Rome.
Did you ever have a “bad” gelato? I haven’t.
Pat
“Fior di Luna” in Trastevere is another good gelato joint that specializes in organic frozen treats. It is located at via della lungaretta 96.
Try their pistacchio!
Giolitti (obviously) is the true non plus ultra of Roman gelato. My sentimental favorite, though, was always Zi’ Elena next to the market place in Testaccio.
Ian,
where in Ca can I find Palazzo del freddo?
miriam
Thank you for the cool & tasty tip. Have to go there the next time!
Judit & Corina
Hi!
I live in a suburb east of Los Angeles and looked up Palazzo del Freddo. It was located in Westwood Village, near UCLA. I went there this past weekend with my family but found that the store had closed its doors for good. (I don’t know if they moved anywhere else in LA.) However, the good news is that my family and I have finally booked our first trip to Italy, which will include Rome and, hopefully, all kinds of gelato!
could you please tell me its opening hours ??
i’m looking forward to tasting this ice cream,sounds amazing!!!!