If you venture a little beyond the hustle and bustle of Rome's historic center, you'll stumble upon an architectural gem that will leave you speechless: the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Folks, this building is what everyone knows as the Square Colosseum , an imposing structure located in the EUR district that completely breaks with the typical classical ruins we usually see in the Eternal City.
This monumental work stands out for its rationalist and symmetrical style , creating a fascinating contrast with its surroundings. Although today it's a must-see for photography and design enthusiasts, its origins are linked to a complex era, having been conceived to project an image of power and modernity in the Italian capital.
The origin and ambition of the project
This building was not built by chance; it was part of a master plan to create a completely new area in Rome. The aim was to house the 1942 World's Fair , under the strong influence of Fascist architecture. Benito Mussolini wanted his rule to be seen as a new Roman Empire , and therefore sought to connect his works with the splendor of the ancient emperors.
The design was a collaborative effort by three architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula, and Mario Romano . To achieve that sense of timelessness and solidity, they used a combination of concrete and travertine , following the principles of enormity and rationalism that define the entire EUR district.
The structure is essentially a colossal tower with four facades covered in arches , hence its nickname, the Square Colosseum. If you count them, you'll find a total of 218 arches . A curious detail is that there are six rows of nine arches on each side; it's said that these numbers were deliberately chosen to correspond to the letters in the names of Benito (6) and Mussolini (9).
A tribute to Italian ingenuity and culture
If you look at the ground floor, right at the entrance, you'll notice a statue beneath each arch. These figures aren't just there for decoration; they represent various arts, skills, and sciences that humankind can master. It's essentially a tribute to Italian talent and its capacity to lead in creative and technical fields throughout history.
In terms of its dimensions, the building is imposing, reaching almost 70 meters in height . This sense of verticality is enhanced by the fact that the palace rests on a travertine and concrete plateau , accessed by a grand staircase. Furthermore, at the ends of these stairs stand four sculptures that guard the boundaries of the grounds.
From political symbol to fashion icon
After the end of World War II and the fall of the regime, the EUR district was marked by its past. However, the authorities decided to breathe new life into these spaces. Thus, the district became a prime residential and administrative area, and today it is one of Rome's most sought-after and affordable neighborhoods , very well connected by metro.
The rest of the building has a very glamorous tenant. Since 2015, the renowned fashion house Fendi has established its headquarters here . To achieve this, the company reached an agreement with the Rome city council for a 15-year lease , paying an annual sum of €2,8 million to maintain the building.
If you're visiting the city and arriving from Ciampino Airport, you'll likely be able to spot the building from your car before entering the city center. It's worth taking a short detour to walk around the EUR district and be impressed by the scale and geometric beauty of this monument, which, despite its history, remains one of Italy's most photogenic landmarks.
