House of Culture

Current name: House of Culture
Original name: Casa del Balilla, then Casa della GIL (GIL House)

City: Tresigallo (FE) (ITA)
District:
Address: Via Del Lavoro N. 2

Year of construction: 1935-1936
Designer: Carlo Frighi, based on an idea by Edmondo Rossoni
Clients: Public
Architectural style: Rationalism

Interior visitable: Yes
Notes: The House of Culture is included in a dedicated itinerary in this guide
Superintendency restriction – historical and artistic significance

The “House of Culture”, formerly the GIL House of Tresigallo.

The GIL (Gioventù Italiana del Littorio) organization was founded in October 1937 following the suppression of the ONB (Opera Nazionale Balilla) and other public and private organizations. It was placed under the strict control of the Fascist Party, and from that date its facilities became the only venue for organized sports. For the regime, the “GIL Houses” were a key place in the genesis of Fascist Italian. Youths aged 6 to 21 received physical/military training, welfare/recreational programs, and extensive political indoctrination.

The “Casa della GIL” (GIL House), later renamed the “Casa della Cultura” (House of Culture), in a historical photograph.

The “Casa della GIL” in Tresigallo, originally known as the ONB’s “Casa del Balilla,” is a fine example of Rationalist architecture. It was built by SERTIA, the company owned by Edoardo Rossoni, a relative of Edmondo Rossoni the powerful fascist (Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 1932-35 and Minister of Agriculture, 1935-39) who promoted the city’s new urbanization. SERTIA oversaw all the expropriations, built most of the properties in the new Tresigallo, and renovated the existing houses for resale or rental. The designer was Carlo Frighi, the most important local engineer. A fellow citizen and friend of Edmondo Rossoni, he was tasked with overseeing the creation of the new city and designing almost all of the public buildings, inspired by the minister.
The original building included a large, fully equipped gym, a sports equipment warehouse, changing rooms, a caretaker’s office, and restrooms. From its forecourt, the “Fascist Saturday” marches and the blackshirt parades that wound their way along Corso Roma began.

The “House of Culture” in Tresigallo before the restoration.

The “Casa della GIL” is undoubtedly one of Tresigallo’s most iconic buildings. It was built of brick with metal trusses supporting the roof. The flat roof is simulated; the upper part of the façade actually conceals a pitched roof over the gymnasium. The architraves are made of reinforced concrete. A small lictor tower is also present. The terrace at the front, still accessible today, offers a beautiful view of the avenue. Visitors are advised to request access.
After decades of neglect, the building was restored by the Municipality in 2003. The inscription “Casa della Cultura” (House of Culture) was placed on the main façade. The rooms have been adapted to modern needs and now house the library, the source of Tresigallo’s cultural activities.