Places near me Random place
All Italy Rome Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

Also known as the Square Colosseum, this building is a prime example of fascist-era rationalist architecture.

Rome, Italy

Added By
michwillshea
  michwillshea / Atlas Obscura User
  michwillshea / Atlas Obscura User
  michwillshea / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

This Place Is a Stub

Help improve this place with additional information or photos.

Make an Edit

About

Rome is fascinating in countless ways, but in none more so than the eras of history evident in its iconic architectural landmarks. If you need a respite from the obvious sights to see, take public transit to the little-visited EUR district south of the city. Here, Mussolini planned a world exposition to open in 1942. But then World War II broke out and the palazzo sat empty for many years, until Fendi set up shop there in 2015. It's a stunning example of symmetry and stone, stark in its grandeur and a silent witness to the follies of mankind.

Related Tags

Architecture Fascism History World War Ii Military
Atlas Obscura Adventures

Flavors of Italy: Roman Carbonara, Florentine Steak & Venetian Cocktails

Savor local cuisine across Rome, Florence & Venice.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

michwillshea

Edited By

jomaepark

Published

June 4, 2019

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos

Nearby Places

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Rome

Rome

Italy

Places 149
Stories 24

Related Stories and Lists

Related Places

  • The outside of the synagogue in Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini.

    Modena, Italy

    Modena Synagogue

    This beautiful 150-year-old synagogue survived Italy's fascist period and the Second World War.

  •

    Warsaw, Poland

    The Canaletto Room

    These 18th-century paintings of Warsaw were used to reconstruct the city after World War II.

  • The B-1 Flat Top at the American Museum of Science and Energy.

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee

    B-1 Flat Top in Oak Ridge

    One of the Cemestos prefab homes built to secretly house thousands of Manhattan Project workers.

  • Aerial view of the IG Farben building, now the University of Frankfurt’s Westend campus.

    Frankfurt, Germany

    IG Farben Haus

    From Nazi chemicals to the CIA, this architectural marvel has played a fascinating role in German history.

  • The balcony.

    Rome, Italy

    Mussolini's Balcony

    The spot where the fascist dictator made some of his most famous speeches including declaring war on Britain and France.

  • The Rotunda of Mosta.

    Mosta, Malta

    Rotunda of Mosta

    This spectacular dome managed to survive after being bombed in World War II, in an event known as the "Miracle of Mosta."

  • West side of Colonia di Rovegno.

    Pietranera, Italy

    Colonia di Rovegno

    The now-abandoned Fascist summer colony served a dark purpose during World War II.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member