In the heart of the EUR district, the Roman area known for its 20th-century rationalist style, stands one of the most iconic buildings of modern Italian architecture: the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Square Colosseum, a must-see destination especially for those who love architecture and photography.
Its perfect geometric shape, the symmetry of its arches and its striking white structure make it one of the most recognizable and photographed landmarks in the capital.
The building was designed in 1937 by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula and Mario Romano, under the direction of the fascist regime, which intended it to symbolize a new modern Rome.
The “Square Colosseum”
Construction began in 1938 and, after delays caused by the war, was completed in 1953.
The building was originally conceived for the Universal Exposition of Rome in 1942, a major event that was never held due to World War II, but which left the EUR district with an extraordinary architectural legacy.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana stands out for its majestic yet essential structure: a perfect cube clad in travertine, with six arches per level on each of its four facades, for a total of 216 arches.
This design was not accidental: the recurring numbers six and nine were meant to evoke stability, harmony and continuity with the imperial tradition.
At the base of the building are statues representing the virtues and professions of the Italian people. On the front side stands the famous inscription celebrating Italy’s cultural and creative greatness: “A nation of poets, artists, heroes, saints, thinkers, scientists, navigators and migrants”.
Today, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is home to the Maison Fendi, which has overseen its restoration since 2015 and hosts exhibitions, events and installations.
For those who wish to visit it in complete comfort, the perfect solution is to stay in the tourist apartments Little Blue and Little Red, offered by i-Roma.
Located in the San Paolo district, in Via Timoteo, these two twin tourist apartments combine comfort, functionality and an excellent location to reach the main attractions of southern Rome, including the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.
The apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, bright and well-designed interiors, fast Wi-Fi and all the comforts needed to feel at home.
They are perfect both for short leisure stays and for business trips or remote working, an ideal solution for those who want to experience Rome authentically, surrounded by art, architecture and comfort, with the freedom of feeling at home in one of the most fascinating and modern areas of the city.
Reaching the EUR district from San Paolo is very easy.
By car, simply follow Via Cristoforo Colombo; the journey takes about ten minutes.
If you prefer public transport, Metro Line B directly connects the San Paolo Basilica station to EUR Palasport or EUR Magliana, from which the Square Colosseum can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.
