If you venture a little further from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City's historic center, you'll stumble upon an architectural gem that will leave you speechless: the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Many people know it simply as the Square Colosseum , and for good reason, as its imposing structure and arches immediately recall the famous Flavian Amphitheater, albeit with a modern, geometric twist that makes it unique in the world.
This building is the centerpiece of the EUR district, an area that breaks completely with the aesthetic of ancient ruins to offer a rationalist and monumental style . It's a fascinating place where 20th-century history blends with contemporary luxury, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to experience a side of Rome beyond the typical imperial monuments.
Origins and the dream of Mussolini
The project originated in 1935, when Benito Mussolini decided he needed an iconic building to serve as the centerpiece of the 1942 Rome World's Fair . The idea was to create an entirely new district, the EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) area, to demonstrate the power and vision of the Fascist regime. Construction began in 1938, and although the war prevented the fair from taking place, the palace was completed in 1943.
The design was not a matter of chance, but rather a coordinated effort between three architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula, and Mario Romano . They wanted to create a direct homage to the Roman Colosseum, as Mussolini was obsessed with linking his rule to the splendor of the ancient Roman Empire, seeking to project an image of continuity and grandeur.
Symbolism and architectural details
What makes this building special is the wealth of symbolism hidden in every corner. The volume is a pure and imposing cube, entirely clad in travertine marble , a material typical of Rome that lends it a solid and timeless appearance. If you look at the facades, you'll see a hypnotic repetition of arches: 218 in total.
There's a much-discussed detail about the structure: each side has six rows of nine arches. It's said that these numbers were handpicked to match the letters in Benito's first name (6) and Mussolini's last name (9). Furthermore, the building rises from a massive platform or plinth, accessed by two opposing staircases, which accentuates its sense of enormity and power.
A tribute to Italian talent
If you approach the ground floor, you'll notice a statue beneath each of the arches in the first row. These figures, carved from Ferrara marble and standing about 3,4 meters tall, represent various arts, sciences, and human skills. The aim was to pay tribute to the creative capacity of the Italian people, demonstrating that the country is a leader in all disciplines of knowledge and industry.
To complete the composition, at the ends of the stairs leading up to the travertine plateau, we find four additional sculptures that act as guardians, marking the limits of this monument to rationalism that reaches almost 70 meters in height.
A second life: from politics to haute couture
After the fall of fascism, the fate of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was uncertain. Some suggested demolishing the entire EUR district because of its ideological significance, but ultimately the decision was made to preserve the heritage and repurpose it for civilian use. The district was transformed into a prime residential and administrative area, becoming Rome's financial district today , where works by Renzo Piano stand alongside Fuksas's famous building known as "The Cloud."
The palace spent years serving as a space for cultural events and art exhibitions. However, in 2015, a very interesting turn of events occurred: the fashion house Fendi reached an agreement with the Rome city council. The luxury brand leased the building for 15 years, paying an astronomical sum of €2,8 million annually to establish its corporate headquarters there.
Although Fendi controls most of the building, the ground floor remains open to the public . This is where events and exhibitions continue to be held under the "Made in Italy" label, promoting Italian culture and design. It's a striking contrast: while haute couture is managed upstairs, the country's cultural identity is celebrated downstairs.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana remains a magnet for photography and architecture enthusiasts thanks to its perfect symmetry and striking whiteness. Located in the EUR district, easily accessible by metro, this building demonstrates how a space born from a dark ideology can reinvent itself and transform into an icon of elegance and modern art in contemporary Rome.