EUR
piazzale delle Nazioni Unite
About
EUR is the acronym for Esposizione Universale Romana. This neighborhood built for the international exposition of 1942 has always been considered the "manifesto" of the Fascist-style architecture. The architect Marcello Piacentini coordinated the creation of this brand new area characterized by large roads and buildings inspired by the classical roman architecture. The exhibition was then canceled because of WWII, but nowadays this kind of Rationalist architecture has been pretty much reappraised and some EUR buildings are now iconic parts of the Roman skyline. One of them is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (nicknamed Square Colosseum or, more derogatory, Gruyere Palace). Other interesting buildings are the Congress Palace and the Offices Palace now called Salone delle Fontane (Fountains Hall). Painter Gino Severini contributed to the out front black and white mosaic fountains. One of his works, a huge painting, is on display inside the Hall. Nowadays most of the buildings are State or Municipal property and EUR is a businesses district that also houses museums (the Museum of Roman Civilization and the Pigorini National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography) and sport centers. -Maria Frullini
