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The EUR district is named after the initials of Esposizione Universale Roma, an event that was supposed to show the world the power of fascism. That event was to be held in 1942, the 20th year of the so-called “Fascist Era.” But due to the vicissitudes of the ongoing World War II, which was turning for the worst for Italy, it was obviously cancelled.
The idea of a neighborhood was born in the 1930s, and the huge construction site led by the most acclaimed architects of the time under the leadership of Marcello Piacentini produced numerous urban works. The already highly delineated layout was completed after the war with the result of bringing together modern buildings and examples of monumental architecture.
The rationalist style recalls the ideology of the Roman Empire proper to the period. Monumentality, therefore, of the buildings, square shapes at sharp angles, great use of white marble; the statues made in the classical style of Ancient Rome.
All this along the street, then called Imperial today Christopher Columbus, which connects the capital to the sea in a union that is also symbolic.
Already in the plans of the promoters, many ministries were to be moved to EUR (called at the time E42, summarizing Exposition of 1942). Where by “ministries” in Rome is meant that articulated public bureaucratic apparatus supported by hundreds of thousands of employees with “fixed posts.”
The move took place in more recent times and with much resistance from those who would have preferred to remain in the city center.
Every day tens of thousands of people arrive to work in public agencies, banks, social security institutions and all kinds of businesses.
Very few of them live here in proportion to the area of the neighborhood. Regardless of aesthetic tastes and political opinions influencing personal judgment, the spectacularity of the place cannot be denied. We have not yet mentioned that the district is managed by EUR Spa (90% Ministry of Finance and 10% City of Rome). And that in the three-year period 2023-2026 this area will have 120 million euros available to give it a makeover.
Walking around the EUR district, attention is drawn to many different presences. The Obelisk by sculptor Arturo Dazzi among the tallest in Rome at 45 meters.
The imposing Palace of Italian Civilization, known as the “Square Colosseum,” with a peculiar amount of large window-like arches. Because arranged on six floors (like the letters of the name “Benito”) and in rows of nine (like the letters that make up the surname “Mussolini”).
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the city, also often used as a film set. The park, with pond, which offers a pleasant oasis for both relaxation and sports activities for all ages.
The Sports Palace (PalaSport or PalaEur), which is not a tourist attraction but an important center that hosts sports competitions and concerts, especially rock concerts.
Fuksas’ Nuvola, a huge 55-thousand-square-meter convention center with conference rooms, auditorium and bar. Romantically, we leave for last a real treat: the Japanese Garden, from the type of flora present, which in spring offers a flowering … spectacular.
