EUR is a district located in the south-west area of Rome, also known as the "Universal Exhibition of Rome". Originally planned to host the 1942 World's Fair, the event was later canceled due to World War II. Today, EUR is a residential and commercial area full of modern buildings and green spaces, which offers a different overview than the historic center of Rome, dominated by ancient and Renaissance architecture.
One of the most iconic buildings in EUR is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the "Colosseo Quadrato" due to its rectangular shape and arches that recall the famous Colosseum. Designed by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Lapadula and Mario Romano, the Palace was built between 1938 and 1943. The building is an example of Italian rationalist architecture and represents a symbol of the fascist regime of the time, even if today it is dissociated from that historical context.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is an imposing six-story structure, with a facade made up of 216 arches and a stepped base that extends over an area of approximately 8,400 square meters. The facade is adorned with numerous sculptures and bas-reliefs, created by various Italian artists, which represent themes related to history, culture and work. These decorative elements give the building a monumental and celebratory aspect.
Inside the Palazzo, the large exhibition halls have been used over the years to host art exhibitions, cultural events and conferences. Since 2015, the building has become the main headquarters of the Italian fashion house Fendi, which has renovated the interior spaces and opened the ground floor to the public, where it is possible to visit temporary exhibitions and appreciate the grandeur of the architecture.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting EUR, as it offers a unique insight into 20th-century Italian architecture and history. Furthermore, the surrounding area is ideal for a walk outdoors, among gardens and artificial lakes, away from the chaos of central Rome.