Italian Style Town was the former Italian concession (the seventh concessions in Tianjin except Britain, France, America, Germany, Japan, Russia, Italy, Austria and Belgium). It was constructed in 1902, covering an area of 28.45 hectares, the construction area of 400,000 square meters. In the scenic area, 137 buildings are all designed by Italian designers, including consulate, military camp, school, church, playground, vegetable market, fire brigade, garden and square in western classic style. The block in unique style is the only well preserved Italian style building group in Asia. In history, there are plenty famous politicians and celebrities of China and Italy lived here, including the former residence of Liang Qichao, the famous thinker and reform scholar in modern history of China.
His former residence and study Ice-drinking room were designed by Italian architect Bairuneo; the former residences of drama mater Cao Yu, Tang Yulin, Hua Shigui and Zhang Tinge, as well as the Family Meng’s ancestral hall, Zeng Guoquan’s ancestral hall and Anjili Hutong, these cultural relics with unique architectural styles and historical connotation enhance the cultural deposit of the area. As the key program of “Comprehensive Development Project on Banks of Haihe River”, in late 2002, Italian Style Area was protectively developed by the government of Tianjin. Following the principle of keeping its original appearance, 71 historical buildings were repaired, covering an area about 148,000sq.m.
To develop the high business value of the area, the government carefully planned the business mode here, including high-end restaurant, recreation and entertainment, creative gift, western art, thematic hotel, business office and high-end club, etc. Centered on Marco Polo Square, the former Italian concession was built around the square. It was also the morning exercise place for Italian Garrison. The 13.8m high Statue of Irene is standing in the center of the square which was repaired in 2004 according to the historical records, except her sword in hand was replaced by an olive branch, symbolized the peace and friendship. Six tower buildings around the square are in typical Mediterranean style, all named after Goddess of the Greek mythology. Freedom Avenue is the first pedestrian street developed in Italian Style Area where is mainly settled with restaurants and entertainment venues. In the concession period, it was called “Dante Road”. The arrangement of streets in the area is like a chessboard that drawings of buildings were not allowed to use repeatedly in order to guarantee the diversity of building. Since October of 2008, over 8 millions tourists had visited here with the daily average amount about 15,000 peoples; during the weekend, the amount could reach to over 20,000.
