In 1959, Aldo Moro was elected secretary of the Christian Democrats at the Domus Mariae: today, the historic headquarters on Via Aurelia is a hotel with 203 rooms, a private church, and a 544-seat auditorium

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Rachele Orsoni

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  October 26, 2026

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In March 1959, while the Christian Democrats were going through a crisis, Aldo Moro was elected party secretary at the Domus Mariae. The National Council met there from March 14 to 17. Today, that building on Via Aurelia is a hotel with conference rooms, a private church, and an auditorium that now hosts concerts of all kinds.

Four Days at the Domus Mariae: The Election of Aldo Moro

A few weeks earlier, Amintore Fanfani had stepped down as Prime Minister and, shortly thereafter, as secretary-general of the Christian Democrats (DC). Moro was entrusted with the task of restoring internal balance within the party. But the division among the various factions of the leadership was already deep: the meeting at the Domus Mariae marked a rift that would never be mended.

The Doroteans: From a Convent to the History of the Christian Democrats

The name “Dorotei”—the Christian Democratic faction that would play a role in Moro’s selection—came from another part of Rome. On the evening of March 13, 1959, its leaders had gathered at the convent of Santa Dorotea and decided not to reject Fanfani’s resignation. The following day, the National Council convened at the Domus Mariae: during those days, Moro was chosen to lead the party.

From the Catholic Action headquarters to today’s hotel

The Domus Mariae was established by Catholic Action as a venue for meetings and conferences. Today, the name is still part of the hotel’s official name: TH Roma – Carpegna Palace Domus Mariae. The property features 203 rooms, six meeting rooms, and an auditorium that can accommodate up to 544 people; it also houses a private church with three naves.

Its commitment to events extends to music as well: the auditorium hosts Candlelight concerts, where the music resonates amid the glow of thousands of candles. Among the tributes scheduled at the Carpegna Palace are those to Ennio Morricone, Ludovico Einaudi, Coldplay, and Lucio Dalla.