Palazzo della Civilta Italiana
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Latest update: 15 January 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome that escapes the attention of most tourists because of its location just outside the city centre.
Rising to a height of 68 metres, it was opened in 1940 during World War Two at a time when Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was running the country and this was one of his projects. |
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A symbol of Fascist architecture
The building is very much the emblem of the district known as EUR, around ten kilometres south of the centre. The EUR district is an homage to Fascist architecture and although it is tainted somewhat by the political doctrine that helped create it, the overall effect is quite breathtaking.
EUR stands for Esposizione Universale Roma, and the district was designed to be a centre for business, recreation and modern-day urban dwelling. The typical visitor to Rome in search of historic monuments might be quite horrified by the thought of visiting a twentieth century town planning project but whilst it's not to everyone's taste, it most certainly leaves a lasting impression and the beautiful repetition of the arches of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana are unforgettable.
It was designed by four architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno Lapadula and Mario Romano and was intended as the centrepiece for the 1942 World Exhibition which was cancelled due to the war.
EUR stands for Esposizione Universale Roma, and the district was designed to be a centre for business, recreation and modern-day urban dwelling. The typical visitor to Rome in search of historic monuments might be quite horrified by the thought of visiting a twentieth century town planning project but whilst it's not to everyone's taste, it most certainly leaves a lasting impression and the beautiful repetition of the arches of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana are unforgettable.
It was designed by four architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno Lapadula and Mario Romano and was intended as the centrepiece for the 1942 World Exhibition which was cancelled due to the war.
Nearby monuments
Other monuments of note around EUR a re the beautiful Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, again echoing a similar style of architecture, while more recently taking its place in the panoply of landmark buildings in the area is the futuristic Roma Convention Centre, dubbed The Cloud, which was built in 2008.
If you have an extended amount of time with which to visit Rome then I can highly recommend a visit to EUR which can be reached via the city's Metro system. There are two central stops in EUR, located towards the southern end of Line B. Both EUR Palasport and EUR Fermi are convenient for the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana which is a 15 minute walk of a kilometre away.
The two Metro stops empty out on to the modern walkways around the EUR Lake which can be an extremely pleasant area for a walk and includes a beautiful waterfall feature.
If you have an extended amount of time with which to visit Rome then I can highly recommend a visit to EUR which can be reached via the city's Metro system. There are two central stops in EUR, located towards the southern end of Line B. Both EUR Palasport and EUR Fermi are convenient for the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana which is a 15 minute walk of a kilometre away.
The two Metro stops empty out on to the modern walkways around the EUR Lake which can be an extremely pleasant area for a walk and includes a beautiful waterfall feature.
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana
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City: Rome
Province: Metropolitan City of Rome Region: Lazio Architectural style: Italian Fascist Opened: 1940 Height: 68 metres Nearest Metro stop: EUR Palasport - Line B - 1 km - 15 mins' walk Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 16 minutes by car (22 km) Recommended accommodation: Hotel Artemide |
