EUR & Ardeatino
The E.U.R Esposizione Universale Roma (Universal Exhibition Rome) is the XXXII (thirty-second) quarter, born from a fascist-era project. There was a desire to create a monumental space that could host the Universal Exhibition planned for the capital in 1942.
The war prevented the event from taking place, but the district began to develop and, year after year, it became what we see today. There are still architectural complexes in monumental style alongside more modern buildings constructed in later years.
It stretches between the Tiber, Viale dell'Oceano Pacifico, Viale dell'Oceano Atlantico, Via Laurentina and Via delle Tre Fontane. It is characterised by wide avenues, very different from the historical streets of the city centre, and is an office and business area, considered the financial district of the city.
The adjacent Ardeatino district, Q. XX, is the twentieth in Rome, taking its name from Via Ardeatina. It borders the San Saba and Celio districts, the Appio-Latino and Appio-Pignatelli districts, the Cecchignola and Terricola areas, and the Europa and Ostiense districts.
Throughout the southern area, the lifestyle is less chaotic than in the more central areas of Rome, there are more green spaces and residential areas. These neighbourhoods are however perfectly connected with a dense public transport network.
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What to see and do
Among the main attractions to visit in EUR we have all the buildings that characterise the district. The first is definitely the Colosseo Quadrato, the Palace of Italian Civilisation, a work dating back to the height of the fascist period, whose arches are reminiscent of the Flavian Amphitheatre, i.e., the Colosseum.
Today the ground floor is an exhibition space, while the other floors house Fendi's offices. We recommend walking through it at night, when the lighting creates plays of light that give the illusion of the two-dimensionality of the building.
The heart of the district is Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, recognisable because in the centre stands the 45-metre-high obelisk, made of reinforced concrete, and covered in Carrara marble with 92 panels of high-reliefs superimposed on it, retracing Marconi's exploits. Also, part of the square is the Pigorini Museum, which houses artefacts from prehistoric Latium, and the National Museum of the Early Middle Ages, with works from Rome and Central Italy.
Another majestic monument that is part of EUR is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which stands at the highest point of the district. To get to its entrance you have to climb a long flight of steps, but once you get to the top you can enjoy a panoramic view.
Another stop not to be missed is the EUR Park with its artificial lake. The large green area is perfect for sports or walks and is enhanced by the water basin that makes the atmosphere even more beautiful.
Inside the park there are two more surprises: the Japanese Walk, a path lined with cherry trees that blossom in spring, and the Waterfall Garden, the water, flowers, and manicured hedges make this the perfect spot to photograph.
A contemporary landmark in the district, the Roma Convention Centre or Nuvola building, designed by Fuksas, is now a convention centre hosting shows and exhibitions. The name is due to the shape of the building, much appreciated by architecture or photography enthusiasts.
The Ardeatino district is also worth a visit, you will also discover many monuments here, such as the Complex of the Abbey of the Three Fountains, but also farmhouses and historical residences. In addition, you can see the Mausoleum of the Fosse Ardeatine and enjoy the various green areas such as the Appia Antica Regional Park.
Where to eat and drink
If you are looking for a place to eat in the EUR area, you are sure to find something to suit you.
For example, for a quick lunch there are: La Piadineria, the famous chain of places where they make excellent piadinas; Mama Poké, for a light and tasty rice and fishbowl; All'EUR Caffè e cucina, excellent sandwiches, but also desserts and aperitifs; Eat&Go, a choice of first and second courses of Mediterranean cuisine; Pagnottella Gourmet, a quality streetfood, from sandwiches to salads to fresh tartare.
Other restaurants in EUR are: Meid in Sud, Neapolitan fried food, fish, appetisers, and very special pizzas; Acqua by Lexus, this is a top fish restaurant, elegant black and white décor, crudité starters accompanied by a careful selection of wines. We change style at Casa Maggio, wooden furnishings, and the possibility of dining in the outdoor garden, the menu is varied, first and second courses and even pizza.
Heading towards the Cecchignola area we find: Trattoria Pizzerie La Botte, homemade Roman specialities in a simple restaurant with a veranda; Bottega Romana, also here traditional local dishes; La Gavetta, excellent value for money and really good pizzas.
Heading up towards the Ardeatino district: Taverna Tintoretto, classic Roman dishes; Baccanale, a nice place where they also serve excellent drinks and a variety of cheeses and cold cuts; Hostaria 110, simple preparations but with quality raw materials; Ottavo Colle, a bistro with a kitchen, here the proposals are really varied from breakfast to lunch, passing through the aperitif and ending with dinner.
If you are looking for simple places offering homemade dishes: Trattoria da Riccardo, Ristorante da Luigi all'Orto di Roma, Trattoria dei Cacciatori, you will find everything from pasta to pizza to barbecued meat. A place to try with an excellent location surrounded by greenery and sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city, Ristorante Palmieri, for an elegant and sophisticated dinner.
Let's conclude the gastronomic tour with a roundup of pastries: Caffè Palombini, cream pastries, ice cream and deli; Conca d'Oro, a wide range of pastries to take away or eat on the spot; Bakery House, bagel, muffins, cupcakes and pancakes for breakfast or snack; Giolitti, renowned since 1960 for its ice cream, but you can also find aperitivo, the pinsa romana and cafeteria service.
Where to go shopping
For shopping, the EUR district offers several possibilities.
Let's start with Viale Europa, the main shopping street in this district, where you will find everything from clothing shops to footwear, from internet and telephone service centres to accessories and household items.
To name a few: Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Lacoste, Timberland, Benetton, Gente Roma, Twinset, Subdued, Pinko, Piquadro and many others.
A reference point for shopping is Euroma2, the luxurious shopping centre in EUR located on Via Cristoforo Colombo. Here you will find over 180 famous boutiques of national and international brands, shops in all sectors, clothes, shoes, jewellery, furniture, technology, and a large hypermarket.
Also noteworthy is the architectural style of the building, boasting an elegant glass dome, white walls, and gold trim.
In general, the whole area is stocked with supermarkets and all kinds of other services. Also, if you are looking for handicrafts and various gastronomic products, you can find them at the Palombini Market at EUR. There are all kinds of stalls including vintage clothing, natural wellness products and unique pieces. The market is open every first and third Sunday of the month from 10am to 7pm.
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