CSOA Forte Prenestino

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CSOA Forte Prenestino is a large self‑managed social centre inside a former military fort in Centocelle, Rome. It was occupied on May 1, 1986, during a Festival of Non-Work. The fort (Forte Prenestino) was built between 1880 and 1884 as one of 15 Roman forts but was never used in battle. It fell into disrepair by the 1950s and became a dump used by the city from 1977.

The site covers about 13 hectares and hosts many groups and events. Inside you’ll find an exhibition space, rehearsal rooms for bands, theatre, film nights, a gym, a cafe, a dark room, and a documentation centre. There are also a bicycle workshop, a garden, a herbal shop, a children’s playground, and spaces for cinema, infoshop, bar, tattoo studio, and an organic farmers market. Outside Rome, Forte Prenestino is known for its music label and for the magazine Nessuna Dipendenza that covers its activities and discussions.

Notable moments include the 1990s recording studio built by the rap group Assalti Frontali, and performances by international artists such as Autechre, Fugazi, Mano Negra, and Test Department. The centre also features an antifascist gym and hosts many cultural and political events. Address: 187, Via Federico Delpino, Rome 00171.