The odd postman and the world's first post box near Rome.

In a modern era of internet, WhatsApp and various social media platforms, the idea of posting a letter seems almost 'antique'. Yet, once upon a time, it was a novelty to see a post box and know that you could see your letter disappear inside a slot in the wall and trust that someone would collect it and deliver it to its destination.

In Piazza della Libertà, the central square of Castelgandolfo, we can find the world's first ever post box. Castelgandolfo, located close to Rome, is famous for the Apostolic Palace, the summer residence of many Popes up until quite recently. 

The plaque on the wall reminds us that the exact date of this event was the 23rd November 1820. On that day, various members of the town council were present and credit for the idea of the post box was given to a town councillor named Angelo Antonio Iacorossi. His idea was to make it easier to collect post that was due to be sent to other parts of the Papal States at that time.

The real reason for the invention of the post-box was due to problems with the person previously in charge of postal collection and distribution. It was discovered that he was in fact ILLITERATE (!) so he could not read the names or addresses of the post. This led to many letters not being delivered or ending up in the wrong place!

After discussing the idea of a central postal collection point, a vote was taken and the council voted in favour by eleven votes to three. A written copy of the decision can be viewed nowadays in the Postal Historical Museum in the EUR district of Rome.

By the way, the post box is still in use so next time you go to Castelgandolfo, do not forget to post a letter!

Written by: Robert Coghlan

Photos by: Robert Coghlan