EUR / Discovering Rome: Routes

EUR

The EUR district of Rome was built in 1942 on the occasion of the Esposizione Universale which should have been held in the capital to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Fascist March on Rome. EUR takes its name from the event. The area is famous for its particular architecture that draws on fascist ideology, classical Roman urban planning, elements of Italian Rationalism and the “simplified neoclassicism” proposed by Piacentini.

The most symbolic element of this architectural model is the so-called "Square Colosseum," the nickname for the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (Palace of Italian Civilization) or the Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro. The building was designed by architects Guerrini, La Padula and Romano and inspired by metaphysical art.

There are also many other examples of fascist architecture in the area such as the Palazzo dei Ricevimenti e dei Congressi (Congress Hall), Pietro e Paolo (the Church of Saints Peter and Paul) the obelisk named after Guglielmo Marconi, the Museo della Civiltà Romana (Museum of Roman Civilization), and the Museo Nazionale Preistorico Etnografico (Prehistoric Museum), among many others.

The construction of the area was only completed at the end of the 1950s for the Rome Olympics held in 1960. At this time, numerous infrastructures were built such as the Palazzo dello Sport, the Cycling race track, the lake and adjacent areas.
Currently EUR, houses some public and private buildings, and is a well-served and lively residential area.