Chiara Bianchi November 26, 2023

Exploring Stadio dei Marmi

Step into the world of athletics and history at Stadio dei Marmi in Rome's Foro Italico, an emblem of classic beauty and sporting spirit.

Attraction
Marble statues at Stadio dei Marmi in Rome
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring Stadio dei Marmi in Rome

If you are looking for a unique and fascinating attraction in Rome, you might want to visit the Stadio dei Marmi, or the Stadium of Marbles. This open-air stadium is part of the Foro Italico, a huge sports complex that was built under the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini in the 1920s and 1930s. The Stadio dei Marmi is surrounded by 59 (originally 60) colossal statues of athletes, made of Carrara marble, that represent different sports and regions of Italy. The statues are inspired by the classical Greek style, but also reflect the fascist aesthetics of the time. In this article, you will learn more about the history and significance of the Stadio dei Marmi, as well as some practical information for your visit.

Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations

The Stadio dei Marmi is not a typical tourist attraction, and it might not appeal to everyone. Some people might find it boring, creepy, or offensive, given its association with fascism and its display of naked male bodies. Others might appreciate it as a historical and artistic monument, or as a curious and unusual sight. The Stadio dei Marmi is also not always open to the public, as it is still used for sports events and ceremonies. You might need to check the schedule before you go, or book a guided tour in advance. The Stadio dei Marmi is located in the northern part of Rome, about 5 km from the city center. You will need to take public transportation or a taxi to get there, or combine it with other attractions in the area, such as the Olympic Stadium or the MAXXI Museum. You can spend about an hour exploring the Stadio dei Marmi and admiring the statues, or more if you are interested in its history and details.

Tips for your visit of Stadio dei Marmi

  • Bring a camera: The Stadio dei Marmi offers some great photo opportunities, especially on a sunny day. You can capture the contrast between the white marble statues and the green grass field, or pose with your favorite athlete. You can also zoom in on the details of the statues, such as their faces, muscles, or sports equipment.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The Stadio dei Marmi is quite large, and you will need to walk around it to see all the statues. The ground is uneven and sometimes slippery, so make sure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. You might also want to bring some water and snacks, as there are no facilities inside the stadium.

Additional tips or recommendations for visitors: If you want to learn more about the history and context of the Stadio dei Marmi, you can book a guided tour with a local expert. You can also visit the nearby Museo dello Sport (Sports Museum), which displays memorabilia and exhibits related to Italian sports history and culture. You can also enjoy a stroll along the Tiber River, which runs next to the Foro Italico.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The Stadio dei Marmi is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except during sports events or ceremonies. On weekends and holidays, it is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: The Stadio dei Marmi is located in the Foro Italico, on Viale dello Stadio dei Marmi. You can take bus number 32 or 280 from Piazza del Popolo or Flaminio metro station (line A) and get off at De Bosis/Stadio Tennis stop. You can also take tram number 2 from Piazzale Flaminio and get off at Piazza Antonio Mancini stop.

Price: Admission to the Stadio dei Marmi is free of charge.

Crowds: The Stadio dei Marmi is not very crowded, as it is not a popular tourist destination. However, it might be busy during sports events or ceremonies, when access might be restricted or limited.

Weather Considerations: The Stadio dei Marmi is an outdoor attraction, so it is best to visit it on a clear and sunny day. You might want to avoid it on rainy or cold days, as there is no shelter or heating inside the stadium.

Photography: Photography is allowed inside the Stadio dei Marmi, but you might need to respect some rules or restrictions during sports events or ceremonies.

Accessibility: The Stadio dei Marmi is accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. There are ramps and elevators to access the stadium and the statues.

Facilities: There are no facilities inside the Stadio dei Marmi, such as toilets, cafes, or shops. You might need to use the facilities in the nearby Olympic Stadium or the Sports Museum.

Tours: You can book a guided tour of the Stadio dei Marmi with a local expert, who will explain the history and significance of the stadium and the statues. You can also join a group tour that includes other attractions in the Foro Italico, such as the Olympic Stadium or the Mussolini Obelisk.

Bringing Children: The Stadio dei Marmi might not be very interesting for children, as it is mainly a historical and artistic attraction. However, some children might enjoy seeing the statues of athletes and learning about different sports. You might want to prepare some games or activities to keep them entertained.

Bringing Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Stadio dei Marmi, as it is a sports facility. You might need to leave your pet outside or with someone else while you visit the stadium.

These details are subject to change; please check the official website for the latest information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Stadio dei Marmi?

    Stadio dei Marmi is a stadium in Rome, Italy, that was built in 1928 as part of the Foro Italico sports complex. It is surrounded by 60 marble statues of athletes, representing different sports and regions of Italy.

  • How can I visit Stadio dei Marmi?

    Stadio dei Marmi is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance. The ticket price is 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children and seniors.

  • What can I see and do at Stadio dei Marmi?

    Stadio dei Marmi is a unique place to admire the architecture and sculpture of the Fascist era, as well as the modern sports facilities. You can walk around the stadium and observe the statues, each with its own style and expression. You can also watch some athletic events or trainings that take place at the stadium, such as track and field, rugby, or soccer.

Must see

  • The statue of the discus thrower

    This statue is one of the most famous and iconic of the stadium. It depicts a young man throwing a discus, with a dynamic pose and a muscular body. The statue was inspired by the ancient Greek sculpture of Discobolus, but with a more realistic and expressive style. The statue represents the sport of athletics and the region of Lazio.

  • The statue of the boxer

    This statue is another masterpiece of the stadium. It portrays a boxer resting on a stool, with his gloves on and his face bruised. The statue shows the realism and drama of the sport of boxing, as well as the courage and resilience of the athlete. The statue represents the sport of boxing and the region of Campania.

  • The statue of the skier

    This statue is one of the most unusual and original of the stadium. It depicts a skier in action, with his skis crossed and his arms raised. The statue captures the speed and agility of the sport of skiing, as well as the elegance and grace of the athlete. The statue represents the sport of skiing and the region of Valle d'Aosta.

  • The statue of the cyclist

    This statue is one of the most modern and dynamic of the stadium. It shows a cyclist pedaling on his bike, with his head down and his legs moving. The statue conveys the energy and passion of the sport of cycling, as well as the endurance and skill of the athlete. The statue represents the sport of cycling and the region of Lombardy.

If you visit Stadio dei Marmi, you will not only enjoy a beautiful and historical site, but also a lively and inspiring one. You will learn more about the history and culture of Italy, as well as the diversity and excellence of its sports. You will also feel motivated and encouraged to pursue your own athletic goals and dreams.

Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts

  • The statues are not all original

    The Stadio dei Marmi is surrounded by 59 marble statues of athletes, each representing a different Italian province. However, not all of them are the original ones that were installed in 1932. Some of them were damaged or destroyed during World War II, and were replaced by replicas in the 1950s and 1960s.

  • The stadium was named after Pietro Mennea

    Pietro Mennea was one of the greatest Italian sprinters of all time, who won four Olympic medals and set the world record for the 200 meters in 1979. He died in 2013, and the Stadio dei Marmi was renamed in his honor in 2014. Mennea had trained at the stadium since he was a teenager, and considered it his second home.

  • The stadium hosted the opening ceremony of the 2009 World Aquatics Championships

    The Stadio dei Marmi was the venue for the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, which featured water fountains, fireworks, music, and dance performances. The ceremony also paid tribute to Rome's history and culture, with references to ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and the Dolce Vita.

  • The stadium is a symbol of Fascist architecture

    The Stadio dei Marmi was part of the Foro Italico, a sports complex that was built under the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini in the 1920s and 1930s. The stadium reflects the Fascist ideology of physical strength, discipline, and nationalism, as well as the admiration for classical antiquity. The statues of athletes are inspired by ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, but also show the features of Fascist realism.

  • The stadium is open to the public

    The Stadio dei Marmi is not only a historical monument, but also a functional sports facility that is open to the public. Anyone can access the stadium for free and use its track and field equipment, or simply enjoy its beauty and atmosphere. The stadium is also used for events such as concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.

Historical Background

The Stadio dei Marmi was designed by Enrico Del Debbio, an architect who worked closely with Mussolini on several projects. Del Debbio wanted to create a stadium that would evoke the ancient Roman circuses, where gladiatorial games and chariot races took place. He also wanted to showcase the diversity and unity of Italy, by commissioning statues from different regions and provinces.

The construction of the stadium began in 1928 and was completed in 1932, on the tenth anniversary of Mussolini's rise to power. The inauguration ceremony was attended by thousands of people, including athletes, students, soldiers, and officials. Mussolini himself gave a speech at the stadium, praising the achievements of his regime and exhorting his followers to be ready for war.

The stadium was originally intended as a training ground for the students of the Fascist Academy of Physical Education, which was located next to it. The academy was an elite institution that aimed to produce loyal and fit soldiers for Mussolini's army. The students had to undergo rigorous physical and ideological training, as well as participate in sports competitions and parades.

During World War II, the stadium suffered some damage from Allied bombings, but it was quickly repaired after the war. The stadium hosted some of the field hockey matches of the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, as well as other national and international events. In 1979, Pietro Mennea set his world record for the 200 meters at the stadium, which remained unbeaten for 17 years.

Today, the stadium is part of the Foro Italico complex, which also includes the Stadio Olimpico, the main venue for soccer matches and concerts in Rome; the Stadio del Tennis Romano, where the Italian Open tennis tournament is held; and the Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto, where the swimming events of the 1960 Olympics and the 2009 World Aquatics Championships took place.

Nearby Restaurants

  • La Pergola A three-Michelin-starred restaurant on the rooftop of the Rome Cavalieri hotel, offering panoramic views of the city and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Antica Osteria Brunetti A cozy and traditional restaurant that serves authentic Roman dishes, such as pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, and saltimbocca.
  • Pizzarium A popular and casual spot that offers a variety of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), made with high-quality ingredients and creative toppings.

Nearby Attractions

  • Villa Borghese A large and beautiful park that houses several museums, gardens, fountains, and monuments, such as the Galleria Borghese, the Bioparco di Roma, and the Pincio terrace.
  • Vatican City The smallest and holiest state in the world, where visitors can admire the St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the Vatican Gardens.
  • Ponte Milvio An ancient and romantic bridge over the Tiber river, where couples used to attach padlocks as a symbol of their love. The bridge is also surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops.

Conclusion

The Stadio dei Marmi is a unique and fascinating attraction in Rome, that combines history, art, and sports. It is a place where visitors can appreciate the beauty and diversity of Italy, as well as its complex and controversial past. It is also a place where visitors can enjoy some physical activity or relax in a peaceful and elegant setting. The Stadio dei Marmi is definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves Rome and its culture.