Congress Palace

The Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses, also known as the Congress Palace, is an emblematic building located in the EUR district of Rome. Designed by the architect Adalberto Libera, its construction began in 1938 and was only completed in 1954 due to interruptions caused by the Second World War. This building, one of the masterpieces of Italian rationalist architecture, was originally conceived for the Universal Exhibition of Rome in 1942, an event that was never realized due to the war. The Congress Palace stands out for its sober yet monumental design. The main structure is a large cube measuring 45 meters on each side, topped by a vaulted cross-ribbed roof. The main facade, facing Piazza John F. Kennedy, is characterized by a travertine colonnade, an element that recalls the splendor of ancient Rome but reinterpreted in a modern key. This colonnade has been the subject of criticism and controversy, with Libera himself later stating that he had to include these columns to meet the demands of the fascist regime of the time. The interior of the palace is equally impressive. The vast atrium, over 60 meters wide, welcomes visitors with a sense of spaciousness and solemnity. Stairs and walkways are arranged along the internal walls of the cube, allowing for a large central space to be kept free for events and congresses. The auditorium, located at the back of the palace, is another fundamental component of the building. This space, often called the Congress Hall or Aula Magna, was designed to accommodate large assemblies and shows, with a capacity of over 2000 seats. One of the most significant episodes in the history of the Congress Palace was its use as a venue for fencing competitions during the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. This event highlighted the versatility and importance of the palace as a multifunctional space. The competitions took place from August 29 to September 10, 1960 and saw the participation of athletes from around the world, contributing to strengthening the international prestige of the building. In the following years, the Congress Palace became the venue of choice for numerous national and international events, including party congresses, exhibitions, seminars, and conferences. Among these, the Congress of the Italian Communist Party in 1962 and various congresses of the Christian Democracy are just a few examples of the important political events held there. This palace has also been the target of intimidating acts, such as the 1977 attack, which aimed to disrupt a congress of the Italian Social Movement. The terrace with a hanging garden, already planned in the original project, has been enhanced and transformed into an additional space for events. This area offers a panoramic view of the city and represents a green oasis in the urban context of the EUR.