Palazzo della Civilta Italiana (Palace of Italian Civilization), Rome
Undoubtedly, the most impressive and emblematic structure in Rome's EUR district is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (commonly referred to as the "Square Colosseum"), commissioned by Benito Mussolini with the intention of making it the centerpiece of the 1942 World's Fair. Construction began in 1938 and was completed in 1943. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of the Second World War, the fair never took place. Nevertheless, the building stands today as a symbol of Italian Fascist architecture.
Mussolini envisioned a monument that would evoke the grandeur of the ancient Colosseum and convey the notion of everlasting fascism. Rising 68 meters high and covering over 8000 square meters, the palace consists of six levels, each adorned with nine arches—a deliberate choice by Mussolini to match the number of letters in his name. The structure is constructed using limestone and tuff, a type of rock formed from consolidated volcanic ash, and is clad in marble.
Adorning the upper section of the building, on either side, are inscriptions that proclaim: "A nation of poets, of artists, of heroes, of saints, of thinkers, of scientists, of sailors, of transmigrates". The palace is adorned with numerous statues, including equestrian statues of Castor and Pollux, as well as twenty-eight figures representing Italian excellence across various domains, such as agriculture, the arts, astronomy, craftsmanship, philosophy, and political genius.
Mussolini envisioned a monument that would evoke the grandeur of the ancient Colosseum and convey the notion of everlasting fascism. Rising 68 meters high and covering over 8000 square meters, the palace consists of six levels, each adorned with nine arches—a deliberate choice by Mussolini to match the number of letters in his name. The structure is constructed using limestone and tuff, a type of rock formed from consolidated volcanic ash, and is clad in marble.
Adorning the upper section of the building, on either side, are inscriptions that proclaim: "A nation of poets, of artists, of heroes, of saints, of thinkers, of scientists, of sailors, of transmigrates". The palace is adorned with numerous statues, including equestrian statues of Castor and Pollux, as well as twenty-eight figures representing Italian excellence across various domains, such as agriculture, the arts, astronomy, craftsmanship, philosophy, and political genius.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palazzo della Civilta Italiana (Palace of Italian Civilization) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzo della Civilta Italiana (Palace of Italian Civilization)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called ‘Tridente’ is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour
As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city – a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word “palace” – indicating the emperor’s residence (“Palatium”), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city – Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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