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User services

At the Historical Diplomatic Archives users can:

  • consult documents: the Archives make a Reading Room available to users where they can consult documentation and carry out research. A microfilm reader is also available.
  • reproduce documents with personal devices: upon prior request via the Portal, photo- reproduction of documents (to be carried out with personal devices) is authorised. A copy of the documents reproduced shall be delivered to the Archives by means of a CD, DVD or USB memory key.

Before starting an archival search, please consult the published series of Italian Diplomatic Documents.

 

ARCHIVES’ PORTAL

In order to access the services of the Reading Room of the Historical Diplomatic Archives, users need to register on the dedicated Portal.

Through the Portal users can:

  • request authorisation for consultation;
  • reserve a seat in the Reading Room;
  • request documentation;
  • request authorisation for digital reproduction.
Users are urged to carefully read and scrupulously follow the “Reading Room Regulations” and the “Rules of Ethics for Archiving in the Public Interest and Historical Research”.
Please note that the Reading Room of the Historical Diplomatic Archives is located in the Palazzo della Farnesina: appropriate clothing is therefore necessary.
Rules for consultation
Documents that go back over 50 years ago are available for consultation. With a special procedure, i.e. with the opinion of the Office producing the documents, it is also possible to consult documents dating back to the period between 30 and 50 years ago (see Ministerial Decree No. 1012/BIS/712 of 22 December 2015): in this case, users shall wait for the relevant preparation time.
Please note that:

  • the documents containing specific categories of sensitive data (Article 221 of Law No. 675 of 31 December 1996 and Articles 8 and 9 of Legislative Decree No. 281 of 30 July, 1999) can be consulted only after 70 years;
  • the fonds that are not ordered or have no sufficient means of identification, as well as documents of very high value or that have conservation problems, are excluded from consultation.

 

PLEASE NOTE! In order to access and consult any document, you need to complete the following essential steps on the Portal 1) register; 2) complete and submit your search request; 3) book your visit dates; 4) book the documents to consult.

For obtaining information and assistance on the procedures to register, reserve seats in the Reading Room and request archival material, please follow the tutorials and read FAQ carefully.

Documents needed for registration on the Portal

When registering, users shall attach the following documents (in pdf format, file name max. 40 characters, file size max. 300 Kb):

  • ID document
  • presentation letter by the University Professor or the institution commissioning the research;
  • for non-EU nationals: verbal note of the competent Diplomatic Mission indicating the research subject (the research will be allowed if reciprocity is provided).

By signing the application for registration and admission to the Archives, users agree to the digital treatment of their personal data.

 

How to request post-1948 archival material

Before proceeding to request post-1948 documentation though the Portal, users of the Reading Room are required to communicate by e-mail the list of envelopes they wish to consult (archiviostorico@esteri.it).
Once the Archives have carried out the necessary checks, they will inform users of the consultation schedule.

 

Opening hours

From Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There will be a summer break (August) and during the Christmas and Easter holidays.

We inform you that the Archives Study Room will be closed to the public for renovation works from 23 June to 4 July.

 

CONTACTS
Telephone : 06/3691 + one of the following extensions: 3213, 3295, 3035, 3235.
Email: archiviostorico@esteri.it
Director of the Historical Diplomatic Archive: Dott.ssa Paola Busonero

HOW TO GET TO THE ARCHIVES
Address:
Historical-Diplomatic Archives
Analysis, Planning, Statistics and Historical Documentation Unit
Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Piazzale della Farnesina 1
I-00135 Rome

Public transport:
Underground: Line A (red) Ottaviano stop + bus line 32 direction Farnesina. Line B (blue) Circo Massimo stop + bus line 628 (Cerchi or Caracalla stops) direction Volpi/Farnesina.
Buses: lines with stops at Piazzale della Farnesina: 628, 32, 168; lines with stops nearby: 200, 301, 226, 188, 280

Please enter the Palazzo della Farnesina using the entrance on the Olympic Stadium side.