Kathleen Lewis November 30, 2023

Exploring Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

Discover the iconic Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, a masterpiece of Fascist architecture in Rome's EUR district.

Attraction
Exterior of Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

Introduction

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Colosseo Quadrato (Square Colosseum), is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. It was built in the 1930s as part of the EUR district, a planned urban area that was meant to host the 1942 World Fair. The fair never took place due to World War II, but the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana still stands as a symbol of Fascist architecture and ideology. Today, it houses the headquarters of the fashion brand Fendi, as well as a museum dedicated to its history and design. In this article, you will learn more about the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, its artistic and cultural significance, and how to visit it.

Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is not a typical tourist attraction in Rome. It is located far from the city center, in a modern and business-oriented district. It is not easily accessible by public transportation, and it may require a taxi or a car to get there. The building itself is not open to the public, except for occasional guided tours or special events. The museum inside is small and focuses mainly on the architecture and history of the building, rather than on its current use as a fashion headquarters. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is not a place for everyone, but it can be an interesting and unique experience for those who are interested in modern art, architecture, and history.

Tips for your visit of Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

  • Book your tour in advance. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is not open to the public on a regular basis, but it offers guided tours on certain days and times. You can book your tour online through the official website of Fendi or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. The tours last about an hour and cost around 15 euros per person. They are available in English and Italian, and they include access to the museum and the rooftop terrace.
  • Explore the EUR district. The EUR district is a fascinating example of urban planning and architecture from the Fascist era. It features several monumental buildings, such as the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Museo della Civiltà Romana, and the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. You can also find parks, lakes, fountains, and sculptures that create a contrast between nature and artifice. The EUR district is worth exploring on foot or by bike, especially if you are into modern art and history.

Additional tips or recommendations for visitors:

  • If you are hungry or thirsty, you can find some cafes and restaurants near the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, such as Caffè Palombini or Ristorante Pizzeria Quadrifoglio.
  • If you want to see more of Fendi's creations, you can visit their flagship store in Largo Goldoni, near Piazza di Spagna, where you can admire their window displays and shop for their products.
  • If you want to learn more about Fascist architecture and history in Rome, you can also visit other sites such as Foro Italico, Piazza Venezia, or Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is not open to the public on a regular basis. It offers guided tours on certain days and times, which vary depending on the season and availability. You can check the schedule and book your tour online through the official website of Fendi or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

How to Get There: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is located in the EUR district, about 10 km south of the city center. It is not easily accessible by public transportation. The closest metro station is EUR Fermi (line B), which is about 2 km away from the building. You can take a bus (line 791) from there to Piazzale Adenauer, which is about 500 meters away from the building. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a car to get there. The address is Piazzale della Civiltà Italiana, 1, 00144 Roma.

Price: The guided tours of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana cost around 15 euros per person. They include access to the museum and the rooftop terrace. You can book your tour online through the official website of Fendi or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Crowds: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is not a very crowded attraction, as it is not open to the public on a regular basis and it requires a reservation to visit. However, it may attract some visitors during special events or occasions, such as fashion shows or exhibitions.

Weather Considerations: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana can be visited all year round, as it is an indoor attraction. However, you may want to avoid visiting it during the hottest months of the year (July and August), as the building does not have air conditioning and it may get very hot inside. You may also want to avoid visiting it during rainy days, as you may not be able to enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace.

Photography: Photography is allowed inside the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, but you may not use flash or tripod. You can also take photos of the exterior of the building, which is very photogenic and offers a great contrast with the blue sky.

Accessibility: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is accessible for people with disabilities, as it has elevators and ramps. However, some parts of the building may not be accessible, such as the rooftop terrace or some areas of the museum. You may want to contact the staff in advance to check the accessibility options and arrange your visit accordingly.

Facilities: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana has some facilities for visitors, such as restrooms, a cloakroom, a gift shop, and a bookshop. However, it does not have a cafeteria or a restaurant inside.

Tours: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana offers guided tours on certain days and times, which vary depending on the season and availability. You can book your tour online through the official website of Fendi or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. The tours last about an hour and cost around 15 euros per person. They are available in English and Italian, and they include access to the museum and the rooftop terrace.

Bringing Children: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is suitable for children who are interested in art, architecture, and history. However, it may not be very entertaining for younger children who may get bored easily. You may want to bring some snacks, drinks, and games to keep them occupied during the visit.

Bringing Pets: The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana does not allow pets inside, except for service animals. You may want to leave your pets at home or find a pet-friendly accommodation nearby.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana?

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Colosseo Quadrato (Square Colosseum), is a monumental building in Rome that was built for the 1942 World's Fair. It is an example of Fascist architecture and a symbol of Mussolini's regime.

  • How can I visit the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana?

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is currently the headquarters of the fashion house Fendi, which restored and renovated the building in 2015. The building is open to the public on weekends and holidays, and visitors can access the ground floor, the first floor and the rooftop terrace. You can book your tickets online or at the entrance.

  • What can I see inside the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana?

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana showcases the history and culture of Italy through various exhibitions and artworks. You can admire the original sculptures that decorate the façade, the marble hall with a giant map of Italy, the Fendi archives and collections, and the panoramic view of Rome from the terrace.

  • Is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana wheelchair accessible?

    Yes, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms available for visitors with disabilities.

Must see

  • The six arches

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana has six arches on each side, creating a grid-like structure that resembles a classical Roman amphitheater. The arches are decorated with 28 statues representing different aspects of Italian civilization, such as art, science, religion and agriculture. Each statue is about 3.5 meters tall and weighs 12 tons.

  • The inscription

    Above the main entrance of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, there is a large inscription that reads: "Un popolo di poeti di artisti di eroi di santi di pensatori di scienziati di navigatori di trasmigratori" (A people of poets of artists of heroes of saints of thinkers of scientists of navigators of transmigrants). This phrase was coined by Mussolini to glorify the achievements of the Italian people throughout history.

  • The Fendi exhibition

    The Fendi exhibition is a permanent display of the fashion house's creations and innovations, from its origins as a fur and leather workshop in 1925 to its present-day status as a global luxury brand. You can see iconic pieces such as the Baguette bag, the Peekaboo bag, the fur coats and accessories, as well as sketches, videos and photos that illustrate the creative process behind them.

  • The rooftop terrace

    The rooftop terrace of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana offers a stunning view of Rome and its surroundings. You can see landmarks such as the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Altare della Patria and the EUR district. The terrace also hosts events and concerts during the summer months.

If you visit the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, don't miss the opportunity to explore the EUR district, which was designed as a modern urban center for the 1942 World's Fair. You can find other examples of Fascist architecture, such as the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Museo della Civiltà Romana and the Laghetto dell'EUR.

Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts

  • The building was never used for its original purpose

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was supposed to host the Exhibition of Italian Civilization at the 1942 World Fair, but the event was cancelled due to World War II. The building remained unfinished until 1953, and was only used sporadically for exhibitions and events. It was not until 2015 that it became the headquarters of the fashion house Fendi.

  • The building has a symbolic meaning

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is an example of fascist architecture, representing the ideology of romanità, which aimed to connect the past, present and future of Italy. The building has six vertical and nine horizontal rows of arches, which some say correspond to the number of letters in Benito Mussolini's name. The inscription on the top of the building reads: "A nation of poets, of artists, of heroes, of saints, of thinkers, of scientists, of navigators, of migrants".

  • The building is inspired by the Colosseum

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is often called the "Square Colosseum" because of its resemblance to the ancient Roman amphitheater. The architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula and Mario Romano drew inspiration from the Colosseum, which they considered a symbol of Italian and Roman civilization. The arches are also a typical element of classical architecture, used to create a sense of rhythm and harmony.

  • The building is made of reinforced concrete and travertine

    The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was originally designed to be made of masonry, but due to economic and time constraints, it was built with reinforced concrete. The concrete structure was then covered with travertine slabs, a type of limestone that is abundant in Italy and often used for monuments and buildings. The travertine gives the building a warm and elegant appearance, contrasting with the cold and austere concrete.

  • The building has 28 statues depicting arts and human activities

    Under the arches of the first order, there are 28 marble statues that celebrate the Italian genius in various fields. The statues represent arts and human activities such as music, painting, sculpture, literature, philosophy, law, medicine, engineering, agriculture, fishing, hunting, industry, commerce, sport and aviation. The statues were made by different sculptors between 1938 and 1942, following a realistic style.

Historical Background

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was conceived as part of the Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR), a large business center and suburban complex that was initiated in 1935 by Benito Mussolini for the planned 1942 world exhibition. The EUR was meant to showcase the achievements and aspirations of the fascist regime, as well as to provide a new urban area for Rome. The EUR was also known as E42, referring to the year 1942, which marked the twentieth anniversary of Mussolini's rise to power.

The design of the EUR was entrusted to a committee chaired by Marcello Piacentini, a prominent architect and urban planner who favored a monumental and rationalist style. Piacentini supervised a team of architects who proposed different plans for the buildings and structures that would compose the EUR. Among them were Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula and Mario Romano, who won a public competition for the design of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in 1937.

The construction of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana began in 1938 in the center of Quadrato della Concordia, a large square that was supposed to be surrounded by other buildings representing different aspects of Italian civilization. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was intended to be the Museum of Italian Civilization, displaying exhibits that would illustrate the history and culture of Italy from ancient times to modernity. However, the outbreak of World War II interrupted the construction of the EUR and the world exhibition was cancelled. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was inaugurated on November 30, 1940, despite being unfinished.

After the war, the EUR was abandoned and neglected for several years, until it was revived as a residential and business district in the 1950s and 1960s. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana was completed in 1953, and was used for various purposes, such as hosting exhibitions, conferences, offices and studios. In 2015, the building was leased to Fendi, a luxury fashion brand, which renovated it and established its headquarters there. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is now open to the public, offering guided tours and cultural events.

Nearby Restaurants

  • La Piazzetta del Gusto A cozy and elegant restaurant that offers traditional Roman cuisine with a creative touch. Try the carbonara with artichokes, the lamb chops with mint sauce, or the tiramisu with pistachio cream.
  • Ristorante Giapponese Akira A refined and minimalist restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food with fresh and quality ingredients. Enjoy the sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen and teppanyaki dishes, accompanied by sake or green tea.
  • Pizzeria San Marco A casual and friendly pizzeria that makes thin and crispy pizzas with a variety of toppings. Choose from the classic margherita, the spicy diavola, the vegetarian ortolana, or the special San Marco with mozzarella, ham, mushrooms and olives.

Nearby Attractions

  • Museo della Civiltà Romana A museum that displays models, reproductions and artifacts that illustrate the history and culture of ancient Rome. See the impressive scale model of Rome in the 4th century AD, the casts of Trajan's Column, and the collection of Roman costumes and weapons.
  • Laghetto dell'EUR A artificial lake that was created for the 1960 Summer Olympics as a venue for rowing and canoeing events. Now it is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation, surrounded by greenery and fountains. You can rent a boat, bike or rollerblade along the lake, or enjoy a picnic on its banks.
  • Basilica di San Pietro e Paolo A basilica that was built in the 20th century as a counterpart to the ancient Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in the Vatican. It has a neo-Romanesque style, with a large dome, a portico with columns and statues, and a rich interior with mosaics and frescoes. It is dedicated to the two patron saints of Rome.

Conclusion

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is a fascinating attraction that reveals the history and identity of Italy in the 20th century. It is a masterpiece of fascist architecture that reflects the ambitions and contradictions of Mussolini's regime. It is also a symbol of Rome's modernity and dynamism, hosting one of the most prestigious fashion brands in the world. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Rome, don't miss the chance to visit this impressive building.