Discovering EUR

Welcome to Discovering EUR – a walk through a city within the Eternal City that evokes the grandeur of the Roman Empire while projecting Rome into the future.

Nestled south of the bustling city center, EUR, officially Quartiere Europa, is a neighborhood that remains a hidden gem, largely undiscovered by the throngs of tourists visiting Rome. This meticulously planned area offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern architectural marvels, providing a fascinating journey through time.

EUR, an acronym for Esposizione Universale di Roma, was envisioned in the 1930s as the site for Rome’s World’s Fair scheduled for 1942. This grand event, however, never took place due to the outbreak of World War II. Despite this, the foundations of EUR were laid, and over the subsequent decades, the area evolved, its original designs modified and expanded. The neighborhood now stands as a testament to Italy’s history, showcasing monumental architecture from the fascist regime alongside contemporary buildings, most of which are owned by the state-owned company of the same name.

In May 1936, Rome had recently been declared the capital of an empire, and the same year, the city was granted the honor of hosting the 1942 Universal Exhibition. The Italian government saw this as a golden opportunity to not only celebrate the new empire and the 20th anniversary of the fascist regime but also to spur urban development along the axis leading to the sea. By December 1936, legislation was passed to establish the entity for the Universal Exhibition of Rome, and within a month, the first competitions and invitations for the design of the exhibition’s buildings were issued. The planned exhibition district was named EUR 42, derived from the exhibition’s acronym and the year it was intended to be held.

World War II interrupted these grand plans, leading to the cancellation of the fair. Nevertheless, significant construction had already been completed, and by the time Rome hosted the Olympics in 1960, much of EUR had been finished. Today, EUR is a neighborhood rich in historical importance and scenic beauty. Our tour will guide you through its most notable monuments and picturesque areas, highlighting the architectural brilliance that defines this unique part of Rome.

The architecture of EUR is one of its most striking features. The buildings and monuments in this area are prime examples of the architectural style developed during Italy’s fascist regime. Characterized by pristine white marble and a linear aesthetic, EUR’s architecture stands in stark contrast to the historic center of Rome. Yet, as you will discover, the architects were heavily influenced by Ancient Imperial Rome, creating a fascinating blend of old and new.

Our journey begins at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, a monumental church with a striking dome that dominates the EUR skyline. From there, we will proceed to the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, commonly referred to as the Square Colosseum due to its geometric resemblance to the ancient Roman amphitheater. This iconic building, often hailed as the most important example of Roman architecture from the 20th century, now serves as the headquarters for the renowned fashion brand Fendi.

Continuing along Viale della Civiltà del Lavoro, we will take a break at Caffé Palombini, the most historic café in EUR. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing coffee and a snack before we move on to our next destination. Feeling revitalized, we will head to the Palazzo dei Congressi, an elegant convention center that has hosted numerous important events over the years. We will also visit the towering obelisk, which surpasses any ancient obelisk found in Rome’s historic center.

The tour concludes with some free time for personal exploration. Our guides will direct you to the Central Park of the Lake, a serene area surrounding a beautiful lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, you can wander along Viale Europa for some shopping. After an hour of independent exploration, we will regroup and make our way back to the city center.

EUR is conveniently accessible via the B line of the Metro, allowing you to return whenever you wish to delve deeper into this fascinating neighborhood. After our walking tour, you will have all the knowledge you need to fully appreciate and explore EUR.

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