At Via del Babuino 199, just footsteps from Piazza del Popolo, sits a Roman institution that has seen more than just eyes—it has witnessed history. Ottica Spiezia, founded by Alessandro Spiezia in 1967, is more than just a boutique optician: it’s a time capsule of elegance, artistry, and Italian cinema. Although news crews from around the world sought interviews with the owner after the death of Papà Francesco and it is affectionately known as “L’ottica del Pàpa” (the Pope’s optician), this store has seen a wide array of luminaries pass through its doors. Federico Fellini used to drop in during the mornings for a quick chat on the stool next to the main display cases, and Marcello Mastroianni was another regular.
But the real star of the show is owner Alessandro Spiezia, as warmly welcoming as he is elegant. At eighty-something years young, he delights in guiding customers to the most flattering style and colours. Not only has he designed a line of eyeglasses made by hand by artisans in the Marche region, he is also more than happy to regale visitors with anecdotes about his famous customers, from the custom pair of eyeglasses that Fellini chose for his 1993 trip to Hollywood for the Oscar ceremony, to the time Papa Francesco called him to wish him a happy birthday. In his recent memoir, L’ottico che ha “visto” la storia (The Optician Who “Saw” History), Spiezia recounts the shop’s encounters with actors, artists and icons from the nearby ateliers of Via Margutta.
Spiezia’s boutique is intimate and curated, offering a blend of vintage designed eyewear from the 1960s to 1980s alongside timeless, handmade Italian frames. But what truly sets it apart is the family-owned business’s deep respect for craftsmanship and personal service. Sitting -both metaphorically and geographically – at the crossroads of tradition and creativity, it’s no surprise that Ottica Spiezia continues to draw in discerning customers who share their love for eyewear handcrafted with Italian flair.
Contact Infos:
Via Del Babuino, 199, 00187, Roma (RM)
+39 06 361 0593
Monday to Saturday from 09–19h00
Photos of Ottica Spiezia
