Elegant architecture, expansive boulevards, and striking rationalist buildings define EUR, a distinctive district in southwest Rome. Envisioned to host the Roman Universal Exposition of 1942, an event thwarted by World War II, EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) stands as a testament to grand urban planning and 20th-century Italian design. The original blueprint, conceived by a team of architects under the guidance of Marcello Piacentini, adopted a pentagonal layout inspired by ideal city models, strategically positioned to anticipate Rome’s growth towards the coast.
One of EUR’s most iconic landmarks is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, often dubbed the “Square Colosseum.” Its imposing structure, adorned with the inscription “Un popolo di poeti di artisti di eroi di santi di pensatori di scienziati di navigatori di trasmigratori” (a people of poets, artists, heroes, saints, thinkers, scientists, navigators, and transmigrants), echoes the grandeur of its ancient Roman predecessor. The palace’s four identical façades feature a continuous series of arches, repeated an impressive 216 times.
Alt text: The iconic Square Colosseum, Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in EUR Roma, showcasing its rationalist architecture and repetitive arches.
Across Via Cristoforo Colombo from the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the Palazzo dei Congressi provides a symmetrical counterpoint. Designed by Adalberto Libera in the late 1930s, this palace seamlessly blends neoclassical and functionalist architectural styles, offering a versatile space for conferences and events.
Further along, in the heart of Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, rises the Obelisk Marconi, a tribute to the renowned Italian physicist, crafted by Arturo Dazzi. Adjacent to the obelisk, discover the buildings that house the MuCiv – Museo delle Civiltà, inviting visitors to explore diverse cultural collections.
Not far from these historical edifices, the contemporary Rome Convention Center La Nuvola captivates with its avant-garde design. Architect Massimiliano Fuksas conceived this steel and glass masterpiece, a cloud-like structure that adds a modern architectural layer to the Eur Roma skyline.
Alt text: The modern and striking architecture of Rome Convention Center La Nuvola in EUR Roma, a cloud-like steel and glass structure.
Perched atop the district’s highest point, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a beacon of harmonious design. Its magnificent hemispherical dome, spanning 32 meters in diameter, represents a pinnacle of modern Roman ecclesiastical architecture.
EUR Roma also boasts abundant green spaces, most notably the expansive Eur Central Park, encircling a picturesque lake. Stroll along the romantic Passeggiata del Giappone (Japan Promenade), a landscape design gem by Raffaele de Vico, which becomes particularly enchanting during Hanami, when cherry trees burst into blossom in spring. Another de Vico creation, the Garden of the Waterfalls (Giardino delle Cascate), presents a delightful spectacle of cascading water, rocky cliffs, natural stones, and diverse plant life.
Alt text: The serene Garden of the Waterfalls in EUR Roma, featuring cascading water, natural stones, and lush greenery.
Celebrated by cinematic masters like Fellini and Antonioni as an ideal backdrop, EUR Roma offers a compelling mix of history, sophistication, and leisure. Explore the upscale shops along Viale Europa, enjoy family fun at Luneur Park, attend shows at the Palazzo dello Sport, or unwind with cocktails and gourmet dining in trendy bars and restaurants. EUR Roma is a unique facet of Rome, inviting exploration and offering a different perspective on the Eternal City.
