Foro Italico
A preeminent example of Italian fascist architecture inspired by Roman imperial forums.
Foro Italico is a sports complex in Rome, Italy, on the slopes of Monte Mario. Built between 1928 and 1938 as the Foro Mussolini under the design of Enrico Del Debbio and later Luigi Moretti, it was originally intended to host the 1940 Olympic Games for fascist Italy. The complex includes the Stadio Olimpico (formerly Stadio dei Centomila), which is the largest sports facility in Rome.
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Notable event
- 1960 Summer Olympics
Lore & Background
Since 2012, the Stadio Olimpico hosts home games for the Italy national rugby union team.
Reader's Guide
The Foro Italico as a sports complex housing the Stadio Olimpico, the ornate Stadio dei Marmi, and a tennis center with 18 clay courts. The main entrance is south-east, featuring a 17.5-meter high marble obelisk known as Stele Mussolini.
Did You Know?
- The complex was originally named Foro Mussolini and built between 1928 and 1938 to secure the 1940 Olympic Games for fascist Italy.
- The Stadio dei Marmi is an ornate stadium adorned with statues donated by different Italian provinces representing various sports.
- A huge obelisk known as Stele Mussolini stands 17.5 meters high (excluding the base) at the main entrance, covered in black and white mosaic tesserae.
- The tennis center within the complex hosts the Italian Open and features a total of 18 clay surface courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Foro Italico?
It is a massive sports complex located on the slopes of Monte Mario in Rome, Italy. Construction began in 1928 under the name Foro Mussolini and concluded a decade later, serving fascist athletic ideals.
How does this location relate to AS Roma?
The club plays its home matches at the Stadio Olimpico, which is the largest sports facility within the complex. This stadium has been central to the team's history since it was renamed after World War II.
Who designed the architecture of the complex?
Enrico Del Debbio and later Luigi Moretti created the design, which remains a defining model of Italian fascist style drawn from ancient Roman public squares. Their work established the grand scale seen throughout the site today.
What major international event took place here?
The complex hosted the Summer Olympics in 1960, which was a notable event for global sports history. This competition realized the long-standing goal of holding Olympic games, which was planned when the site was first built.
Did the main stadium have a different name in the past?
Yes, the arena was previously known as the Stadio dei Centomila before adopting its current title. This former name reflected the capacity and political context of the facility during the fascist era.
More in Stadiums & Venues
Elsewhere in AS Roma
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced