When you first arrive in Rome, this place may give you pause. No narrow streets, no ancient ruins - instead, wide boulevards, white marble buildings and an almost "sterile" space.

And that's the point.

The EUR district was created in the 1930s as a showcase for the fascist regime's planned 1942 World's Fair (which never happened because of the war).

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Today it's a business district + one of the most interesting places for 20th century architecture.

EUR stands for "Esposizione Universale Roma".

Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana ("Square Colosseum")

This, for me, is the main reason to come here at all.

The Palace of Italian Civilization is exactly what you've probably already seen on Instagram - an iconic building with regular arches, nicknamed the "Square Colosseum".

• The building began in 1938 as a symbol of the regime
• Inspired by ancient Rome, but transformed into modern geometry.
• Today, the headquarters of the fashion brand Fendi

My experience (and what to expect)

Don't expect a classic indoor attraction or museum. This is all about the visual impression from the outside.

The entire interior functions as Fendi's headquarters and is not open to the public, but you can get right up to the entrance and into the arcade of the building.

Best moments:

• Morning - minimal people, sharp shadows
• sunset - the best light for photos
• evening - lighting = completely different atmosphere

It's one of the most "Instagram-friendly" places in Rome - but at the same time, it's pretty empty so no one disturbs you.

Read also:

• 👉 Rome without crowds: where to go
• 👉 What to see in Rome for free

What to see in EUR besides the "square Colosseum"

But the EUR quarter is much bigger than just the Palace of Italian Civilization.

Other architecture in the area

• Museum of Roman Civilization
• Obelisk of Marconi
• Congress Palace
• Palace of Sports
• Symmetrical buildings and wide boulevards
• overall a very "photographic" environment

Lago dell'EUR (lake and park)

• pleasant walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• ideal for a break after walking
• very local atmosphere

Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

• monumental church on a hill
• nice view of the neighbourhood
• minimum of tourists

Is it worth visiting EUR?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to see a different type of Rome beyond the historical monuments
• you enjoy 20th century architecture
• you are looking for photogenic places without crowds
• you have enough time (at least 3 days)

❌ More likely not, if:

• you are in Rome for the first time and have little time
• you expect the classic "Italian atmosphere"
• you don't want to deal with transfers far from the centre

How to include EUR in your itinerary

EUR is not a place for a whole day.

Ideal option:

• 2 hours
• Combination of main building + short walk by the lake

I combined my EUR visit with the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which is just 2 metro stops away (towards the centre).

Works well as a resting block between days in the centre when you've had enough of the crowds and sights.

You can also combine the EUR district with a trip from Fiumicino airport, where Cotral buses run about once an hour (but the journey takes 60 minutes).

• 👉 Transportation to/from FCO airport from my experience

How to get there

• Metro line B (blue)
• EUR Magliana or EUR Fermi station
• from the centre about 20-25 minutes
• 👉 My tips for public transport in Rome

What to see around

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