Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana Rome
Rome's 'Square Colosseum,' a monumental Fascist-era architectural marvel in the EUR district, now home to Fendi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local market, fewer crowds
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana Rome
Best Time
Local market, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rome's 'Square Colosseum,' a monumental Fascist-era architectural marvel in the EUR district, now home to Fendi.
"An underrated gem with a unique, futuristic design that stands out in Rome."
Sunday Market Surprise
Visit on Sunday morning for a local thrift market and a peaceful experience. :shopping_bags:
Explore the EUR District
This area is a destination in itself, showcasing unique Fascist-era architecture. :city_sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Square Colosseum'
EUR District
An iconic, stark white marble monument with a unique, monumental design that stands out in Rome.
Sunday Market Charm
Surrounding Piazza
Experience a surprisingly quiet Sunday morning with a local thrift market, offering a glimpse into Roman daily life.
Fendi Headquarters
Interior
See where the luxury fashion house Fendi is headquartered, a testament to the building's enduring appeal.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Colosseum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sunday Market Surprise
Visit on Sunday morning for a local thrift market and a peaceful experience. :shopping_bags:
Explore the EUR District
This area is a destination in itself, showcasing unique Fascist-era architecture. :city_sunrise:
Fendi's Creative Hub
The building is Fendi's headquarters; admire its modern use. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sunday Market Surprise
Visit on Sunday morning for a local thrift market and a peaceful experience. :shopping_bags:
Explore the EUR District
This area is a destination in itself, showcasing unique Fascist-era architecture. :city_sunrise:
Fendi's Creative Hub
The building is Fendi's headquarters; admire its modern use. :gem:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique and monumental architecture of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, often calling it an 'underrated gem' and a 'futuristic' marvel. Its stark beauty and historical significance are major draws, especially when experienced during a quiet Sunday morning market. Some find its location in the EUR district a bit out of the way.
"Initially not a welcoming experience, since the while groundsis surrounded by a fence, making one even doubt the visit is goingvto happen at all. But they let you in at the car-entrance side, saying only the exterior can be visited (when there are no temporary exhibitions in the very disfigured lobby). The building is still immaculately stunning in its purity of lines and single texture. I just wish there were more, to justify these few hours of excursion from the center of town..."
HERM PAZ
"It will be great to visit this place during your travel in Rome. Line metro B, EUR Magliana station in the beat way to get there"
Оксана Слоб
"Colosseo Quadrato ("Square Colosseum") The structure's six vertical and nine horizontal arches are correlated to the number of letters in the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's name"
Misiu martino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is located in the EUR district. You can reach it via public transport, often involving a metro ride (like Line B to EUR Fermi) followed by a bus or a walk. Some Redditors suggest it's accessible from Ostia Lido as well. Plan for a journey of about 30-45 minutes from the city center. :bus: :subway:
Parking in the EUR district can be challenging, especially on weekends. If you're driving, look for designated parking areas or street parking, but be prepared for it to be busy. :car:
It's unlikely you can walk from major central Rome attractions like the Colosseum. The Palazzo is in a separate district (EUR), so public transport or a taxi is recommended. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, you can admire the exterior of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana and its piazza for free. Access to specific exhibitions or events inside may require tickets. :ticket:
As the building primarily serves as Fendi's headquarters, public access is usually limited to the exterior and surrounding piazza. Any specific exhibitions would have their own hours. Check local listings for current events. :clock1:
While the building itself is a corporate headquarters, the piazza is generally accessible. Sundays are noted for a local market, making it a popular time for visitors to explore the area. :calendar:
📸 📸 Photography
The grand piazza in front of the building offers the most iconic shots, capturing its full scale. Experiment with different angles to highlight the arches and the unique 'Square Colosseum' silhouette. :camerawithflash:
Photography inside the Fendi headquarters is generally not permitted, as it's a private corporate space. Focus your photographic efforts on the impressive exterior and the surrounding architecture of the EUR district. :iphone:
While not as crowded as central Rome landmarks, it can get busier on weekends. Visiting on a Sunday morning before the market gets too active, or during weekdays, can offer more serene photo opportunities. :camera:
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is a prime example of Rationalist architecture, a style prominent during Italy's Fascist era. It's often described as a modern interpretation of classical Roman architecture, hence its nickname 'Square Colosseum'. :building_construction:
Construction began in 1938 for the planned 1942 Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR), a world exhibition that never fully materialized due to World War II. It was intended to showcase Italian ingenuity and power. :scroll:
The building features 216 arches on each of its four facades. These arches are a key design element, creating a rhythmic, monumental facade that is both visually striking and structurally significant. :art:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The EUR District: A Fascist Vision
Beyond the Palazzo, the EUR district boasts other significant structures like the Palazzo dei Congressi and the Museo dell'Ara Pacis. While the architecture can be imposing, it's also incredibly photogenic and offers a unique contrast to Rome's ancient ruins. Many visitors find the district's quiet grandeur and distinct style a refreshing change of pace from the bustling city center.
For those interested in urban planning and 20th-century Italian history, the EUR district is a must-visit. It’s a tangible piece of history, now repurposed and still in use, offering a fascinating glimpse into a complex period of Italy's past. The Palazzo itself, now housing Fendi, symbolizes this transition from a political statement to a modern cultural and commercial hub.
Experiencing the Palazzo Today
Many visitors are surprised to discover a vibrant local market that often takes place in the piazza on Sunday mornings. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the Palazzo not just as a historical artifact, but as a living part of the local community. It's a chance to see Romans interacting with this grand structure in a relaxed, everyday setting, a far cry from its original intended purpose.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photos, while a Sunday visit provides the added charm of the market. The sheer scale and symmetry of the Palazzo make it a photographer's dream, with endless possibilities for capturing its unique form against the Roman sky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit