If you venture a little further from the hustle and bustle of Rome's historic center, you'll come across a structure that will leave you speechless: the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Often called the Square Colosseum , this building is a true gem of the EUR district and presents a fascinating contrast to the ancient ruins of the Eternal City, lending an air of monumentality and austerity that is impossible to miss.
This work was conceived under the impetus of Benito Mussolini in 1935, who wanted it to be the heart of the 1942 Universal Exposition. Although the outbreak of war prevented the event from taking place, construction was completed around 1943, establishing itself as one of the greatest examples of fascist architecture , where symmetry and solidity are the golden rules.
Architecture and symbolism of design
The resemblance to the Flavian Amphitheater is no coincidence. Mussolini sought to link his regime with the grandeur of the Roman Empire , and thus the design, the work of architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula, and Mario Romano, is a clear nod to the original Colosseum. The result is a pure and imposing volume that rises from a platform of concrete and travertine.
If you look closely at the facades, you'll see that the building is covered in arches, totaling 218. One particularly striking detail is that each side features six rows of nine arches . It's said that these numbers weren't chosen randomly, but rather refer to the number of letters in the names Benito and Mussolini , reflecting the dictator's obsession with control and symbolism.
As for the materials, the undisputed star is travertine marble , which covers the entire cube and its base, giving it its characteristic whiteness. Behind these exterior loggias are the glass enclosures that protect the interior, creating a highly photogenic interplay of light and shadow that attracts thousands of tourists.
A tribute to Italian talent
Walking around the base of the palace is like strolling through an open-air art gallery. Beneath the arches of the first floor stand 28 Ferrara marble statues , each approximately 3,4 meters tall. These figures represent diverse skills, arts, and sciences , serving as a tribute to human ingenuity and capability, specifically the talent of the Italian people throughout history.
The building impresses not only with its details but also with its scale. It reaches a height of nearly 70 meters , a feeling amplified by the grand staircase leading to the entrance. To complete the composition, four sculptures stand at the ends of these stairs , acting as guardians of the palace's boundaries.
The EUR district and the building's new life
The district where it's located, the EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma), was originally conceived by Piacentini. After the fall of fascism, some suggested erasing the neighborhood from the map due to its ideological connotations, but it was ultimately decided to repurpose the spaces . Today, the EUR is Rome's financial district , a highly sought-after residential area, and an administrative hub efficiently connected by metro.
The neighborhood continues to evolve and attract cutting-edge works, such as Fuksas's convention center (known as "The Cloud") and Franco Purini's imposing Eurosky Tower . Within this context of modernity, the Colosseum Square has adapted to avoid becoming a relic of the past.
Between art and haute couture
For a long time, the building was a space dedicated exclusively to cultural events and exhibitions. However, since 2015, the property has undergone a surprising transformation. The prestigious fashion house Fendi reached an agreement with the Rome city council to relocate its corporate headquarters there through a 15-year lease.
This agreement involves a payment of approximately €2,8 million annually . However, the brand has not taken over the entire space; the ground floor remains open to the public to host design and cultural events under the "Made in Italy" label , ensuring that the building continues to be a hub for artistic expression for everyone.
This stunning travertine cube is the perfect example of how a building born from a controversial ideology can be transformed into an icon of contemporary fashion and culture , maintaining its rationalist essence while integrating into the economic heart of modern Rome.
