Square Colosseum in Rome
If you are visiting Rome and wish to explore a different side of the city, away from the classical ancient monuments, the Colosseum Square, or Palace of Italian Civilisation, is a destination you cannot miss. Located in the EUR district, this imposing building represents the meeting of history and modernity, an architectural icon that tells a lesser known part of Roman history.
Square Colosseum: a masterpiece of rationalist architecture
The Square Colosseum was designed in 1937 by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula and Mario Romano, with the intention of celebrating the greatness of the Italian people during the fascist era. Although work was interrupted due to World War II, the building was completed in 1953. Its style is strongly influenced by the Italian rationalisman architectural current that favours simple forms, straight lines and clear volumes.
The name 'Square Colosseum' derives from its resemblance to the original Colosseum, but its regular and symmetrical geometry, with 54 arches per façademakes it a modern and rational interpretation of the ancient monument. In total, the building boasts 216 bowsdistributed over six floors, creating a striking visual effect.
Square Colosseum: Fendi
Although initially conceived as part of an ambitious political project, today the Square Coliseum is admired for its beauty and architectural value. Since 2015, it has housed the headquarters of the fashion house Fendiwhich has been able to enhance the interior of the building with a mix of tradition and innovation.
Inside the building are temporary art exhibitions and cultural events that offer a unique opportunity to explore not only the building's history, but also its evolution in the contemporary context.
Square Colosseum: Mussolini
A curious detail that immediately strikes visitors is the inscription on the top of the building, which reads: "A people of poets, of artists, of heroes, of saints, of thinkers, of scientists, of navigators, of transmigrants." This phrase expresses the concept of the 'greatness' of Italy that the fascist regime wanted to celebrate.
Another interesting point is its location in the EUR district, also planned during the fascist era to host the Universal Exhibition of Rome (never realised due to the war). Today EUR is one of the most modern districts in the city, with contemporary architecture, large green spaces and the famous EUR Lakeperfect for a relaxing walk after your visit.
Square Colosseum: architect
The Square Colosseum, officially known as Palace of Italian Civilisationwas designed by a team of three Italian architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula e Mario Romano. These architects worked together in the late 1930s to create a symbolic building that represented the Fascist regime's vision of a modern and powerful Rome. Their inspiration came from classical architecture, which they reinterpreted in a rationalist key, with simple lines and a rigorous use of geometry. The result was a monumental building that combines past and modernity, which has become an architectural icon of the EUR district today
Square Colosseum: ticket
Access to the Colosseo Quadrato does not require a ticket to visit the exterior of the building, as it is located in an open public space. However, for special events, temporary art exhibitions or organised visits to the interior (especially related to the activities of the fashion house Fendi, which has its headquarters here), a ticket. For up-to-date information on any current exhibitions or events, it is advisable to check the official websites linked to the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana or the Fendi Foundation.
Click here instead if you mean the Colosseum tickets
Colosseum mon amour!
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