Settecolli Trophy

A legendary meet in the heart of Rome

The Settecolli Trophy—also known as the International Swimming Championships of Italy—is widely considered the oldest international swimming meet in the world. Established in 1963 by Mario Saini, then Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and commissioner of the Italian Swimming Federation, the event was designed to allow Italy's top swimmers to compete against international stars outside of the Olympic and World Championship circuits. For over sixty years, the Settecolli has been a staple of late June in the City of Rome, the capital of the Lazio region, and remains one of the city's most prestigious sporting events.

The Stadio del Nuoto at the Foro Italico

The trophy is contested in the spectacular 50-meter outdoor pool of the Stadio del Nuoto, located within the monumental Foro Italico complex. Situated between the Della Vittoria and Foro Italico districts, on the banks of the Tiber River at the foot of Monte Mario, the pool is surrounded by 1930s marble statues and mosaics. This Roman venue offers one of the most evocative settings in world swimming: competing here, under the Roman summer sun, holds a unique charm that attracts athletes and fans from across the globe every year.

Champions from around the world

The Settecolli regularly draws the absolute stars of international swimming: world record holders, Olympic champions, and world titleholders from dozens of nations. The meet traditionally falls just a few weeks before the summer's major events—World Championships or the Olympics—making it a preferred final time-trial for many athletes. For the Roman public, it is a chance to see the best in every discipline—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays—compete live over three intense days.

Format and schedule

The event spans three days, with heats in the morning and finals in the evening. The evening sessions, with packed stands and a high-energy atmosphere, are the highlight of the event: this is where titles are decided and records are broken. The Settecolli Trophy is organized by the Italian Swimming Federation and has seen numerous Italian and European records set over the years, alongside some of the fastest times in the world.

A pillar of Rome's sporting tradition

Much more than just a competition, the Settecolli is now part of the sporting heritage of Rome and the Lazio region. Its longevity, the quality of the field, and the iconic Foro Italico setting make it an event that perfectly balances top-tier athleticism, tradition, and spectacle, captivating both industry professionals and the families and young fans who fill the stands of the Stadio del Nuoto every year.