Obelisco del Foro Italico
Obelisco del Foro Italico
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midway42
Georgia3,423 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Located on Foro Italico just south of Rome’s Olympic stadium, this one is a blast from the past. Commissioned in 1927 by a group of industrialists on behalf of the people of Carrarra, the monument was designed by Costantino Costantini and inaugurated on November 4, 1932. The mere fact the obelisk was brought here was a small miracle, as transportation of such a large piece of marble to Rome had not been undertaken in centuries. It is over 36m high from the bottom of the base to the top.
I visited the monument and surrounding area as part of a “Tour of Fascism” which incorporated the EUR district, Piazza Venezia, and other areas of the Foro Italico. The obelisk is one of the few remaining monuments left in Rome that mentions Benito Mussolini; aside from his name on the marker itself there are references to him in the mosaics leading into the Foro Italico. (As an opponent of “cancel culture” and a fan of “rational dialogue” I had no problem with this.).
Yes, it’s an important part of the modern history of Italy. However, it's also “just an obelisk” and as a stand-alone attraction is average. Benito's homage to the Ancient Romans (one of many!) is much better viewed as a remnant of a bygone era in the context of a larger work of fascist buildings left standing.
I visited the monument and surrounding area as part of a “Tour of Fascism” which incorporated the EUR district, Piazza Venezia, and other areas of the Foro Italico. The obelisk is one of the few remaining monuments left in Rome that mentions Benito Mussolini; aside from his name on the marker itself there are references to him in the mosaics leading into the Foro Italico. (As an opponent of “cancel culture” and a fan of “rational dialogue” I had no problem with this.).
Yes, it’s an important part of the modern history of Italy. However, it's also “just an obelisk” and as a stand-alone attraction is average. Benito's homage to the Ancient Romans (one of many!) is much better viewed as a remnant of a bygone era in the context of a larger work of fascist buildings left standing.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
serhanozel
Alanya, Türkiye1,092 contributions
Jun 2019
this monument is great. giving you some feelings happen never brfore. please read the aim and history of it's
Written September 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vonOtter
New York City340 contributions
“All within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.”
— Benito Mussolini (1883 – 1945)
For anyone who enjoys sculpture, Stadio dei Marmi is a treat not to be missed. Lying outside the city’s historic center, the Stadium of Marbles attracts very few visitors; therefore you can have the place to yourself. Walk around freely admiring the colossal white marble athletes in the Socialist Realist style. They are wonderful.
Each of Italy’s 60 provinces each gave a white marble figure to line the top tier of the stadium. The province’s name is chiseled on the base of most of the figures. Some of the works of male physical perfection are covered with a fig leaf, others are au naturel.
Mussolini gave responsibility for the design and building of his new sports complex to Enrico Del Debbio in the late 1920’s. When it was completed it was called Foro Mussolini; after World War II the name was changed to Stadio dei Marmi. It has a capacity to seat 20,000 fans.
“The function of a citizen and a soldier are inseparable.” — Benito Mussolini
By 1936 Mussolini had conquered Ethiopia and declared a new Roman empire. Now the Academy’s emphasis on physical fitness became synonymous with battle-readiness. Stadio dei Marmi was given over to Mussolini’s Blackshirts, Fascist paramilitary groups. The Fascist Academy of Physical Education used the stadium for training. An operatic spectacle was staged for Adolf Hitler at the Foro in 1938 by Mussolini. Torch-bearing youths formed a huge swastika, and the words ‘Heil Hitler’ were spelled out in flickering flames.
The area where Foro Italico was built had once been owned by the papal Farnese family. Even as late the 1920s it was known as Prati della Farnesina. This sporting complex is made up of other venues, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts (clay and grass), basketball courts, running tracks, fencing halls and a gymnasium.
As part of the complex, Stadio Olimpico, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators, was built when Rome hosted the Olympic Games in 1960; it was reconstructed for the World Cup in 1990. A group of red stucco buildings on the grounds house the Italian National Olympic Committee.
It is easy to reach Foro Italico. Take the #2 tram, located outside Porta del Popolo, to the end of the line. Walk across the bridge. There you are. Admission is free to tour the Stadio dei Marmi.
— Benito Mussolini (1883 – 1945)
For anyone who enjoys sculpture, Stadio dei Marmi is a treat not to be missed. Lying outside the city’s historic center, the Stadium of Marbles attracts very few visitors; therefore you can have the place to yourself. Walk around freely admiring the colossal white marble athletes in the Socialist Realist style. They are wonderful.
Each of Italy’s 60 provinces each gave a white marble figure to line the top tier of the stadium. The province’s name is chiseled on the base of most of the figures. Some of the works of male physical perfection are covered with a fig leaf, others are au naturel.
Mussolini gave responsibility for the design and building of his new sports complex to Enrico Del Debbio in the late 1920’s. When it was completed it was called Foro Mussolini; after World War II the name was changed to Stadio dei Marmi. It has a capacity to seat 20,000 fans.
“The function of a citizen and a soldier are inseparable.” — Benito Mussolini
By 1936 Mussolini had conquered Ethiopia and declared a new Roman empire. Now the Academy’s emphasis on physical fitness became synonymous with battle-readiness. Stadio dei Marmi was given over to Mussolini’s Blackshirts, Fascist paramilitary groups. The Fascist Academy of Physical Education used the stadium for training. An operatic spectacle was staged for Adolf Hitler at the Foro in 1938 by Mussolini. Torch-bearing youths formed a huge swastika, and the words ‘Heil Hitler’ were spelled out in flickering flames.
The area where Foro Italico was built had once been owned by the papal Farnese family. Even as late the 1920s it was known as Prati della Farnesina. This sporting complex is made up of other venues, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts (clay and grass), basketball courts, running tracks, fencing halls and a gymnasium.
As part of the complex, Stadio Olimpico, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators, was built when Rome hosted the Olympic Games in 1960; it was reconstructed for the World Cup in 1990. A group of red stucco buildings on the grounds house the Italian National Olympic Committee.
It is easy to reach Foro Italico. Take the #2 tram, located outside Porta del Popolo, to the end of the line. Walk across the bridge. There you are. Admission is free to tour the Stadio dei Marmi.
Written September 19, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura P
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
I am an FIT member and my brother, who was with me, is a National Tennis Teacher. We purchased tickets for the 2024 Rome Tennis Internationals a couple of days before the announcement of Sinner's retirement, via the bnl website, the online one used by everyone. It was my first time and I was very excited. We buy tickets not only for the Ground, but for the Grand Stand Arena in order to have the chance to see a few more matches. The site did not allow us to purchase tickets using the discount as FIT members because it seemed that places were really limited. We were scammed, like many others who made the same purchase as us on Wednesday 15 May. The Foro Italico is wonderful, and nothing to say about the organization at the entrance and inside, but we paid quadruple the cost of the Ground to see nothing more than half of a men's doubles match, which started before the time we had the ticket. entry allowed and then two women's doubles on the court open to all (Pietrangeli), because in the Grand Stand Arena there were no more interesting matches, but the juniors. They kept all 4 singles for the center court and charged as if it were full and without discount to members, when the Ground Arena was practically only half full, perhaps even less than half. I was disappointed by the Italian Tennis Federation which only thought about filling its pockets as much as possible without even trying to please the people who love this sport and support it. Without respect, right now that tennis is so popular, they take advantage of it. Very disappointed.
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patsy C
Cozumel, Mexico114 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I am a single traveler in Rome and I love Rafa Nadal from Spain, well the Italian open just happens to be in Rome right now during my stay. so I got a map ask 6 people for directions all gave me different answers, Walked from the Trevie Fountain to the Piazza del ppopolo crossed the main road and took the train/ metro number 2 direction Massimo got off and walked to the Foro Italia... across a beautiuful Bridge in the the Foro..
Everyone was helpful went to the ticket office and the young lady spoke English bought the ticket when in and sat in a fabulous location in the stadium and watched three matches! The usher were great all dressed in suite and young and helpful , bathrooms were clean, food was good and beet was Corona! The Sponsor my favorite from Mexico over all great day and experience! I recommend it!
Everyone was helpful went to the ticket office and the young lady spoke English bought the ticket when in and sat in a fabulous location in the stadium and watched three matches! The usher were great all dressed in suite and young and helpful , bathrooms were clean, food was good and beet was Corona! The Sponsor my favorite from Mexico over all great day and experience! I recommend it!
Written May 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlo R
London, UK1 contribution
May 2013 • Couples
Definitely the best place to see a tennis tournament. The grounds are spectacular, it was very well organized and you're not getting fleeced the whole time! Even prefer it to Wimbledon!
Written May 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerusalemmiriam
jerusalem146 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Approaching from the front, the red stucco structure stretches into a gentle curve. During WWII it was called Foro Mussolini, another tribute to ego just like the emperors. As we round the bend we see the massive marble statues that surround the stadium built for an Olympics that never was. As you walk around the edge of the complex you are dwarfed by the size of everything. Approaching from the front, the red stucco structure stretches into a gentle curve. The buildings are now used by the University for one campus. We pass an obelisk- every emperor has to have one and this doesn't disappoint- DUX, this one is only 90 years old. And then you enter the church of fascism . A long aisle stretches out before you and where the pews should be, black and white mosaics, mimicking the Ostia mosaics, a record of the glorious fascist past. ”. The mosaics show the common man carving out the empire and sowing the fields. The borders, instead of the Roman braids are all fascist symbols, the eagle, the fasces with the “M”- if you missed who did all this. And at the top (where the altar in this unholy church should be) an emperor figure. No prizes for guessing who and DUCE DUCE DUCE everywhere. These are flanked by large marble blocks like tombstones with the fascist struggle of Mussolini's past recorded on them. The history recorded on these tombstones is the personal battles of Mussolini. If we have church images and echoes of Ostia, this part says Mao Tse-Tung. But, of course, there were several at the end to record newer personal triumphs that never came. So the later Italian governments continued the history lesson and recorded the liberation of Rome and the institution of the republic.
Very, very awe-inspiring but not in the way that the original inventor had intended. As you continue this walk into history you come to the stadium with its surround of marble statues. If the entrance gave you chills, this is pure “camp almost comical, the statues are larger than life, over grown with moss in many places, and represent many different sports. Mythological figures used to inspire the athletes to greater feats of glory. There was one figure with the sharp angular face of the 1930's- very striking. ”Each figure was named for a different Italian town or area. Except for a lone runner we had the place to ourselves. At the base of the stadium wall was a list of intellectual “athletes”. Obviously meant to be continued only one year's of names had been recorded. I loved it as a representation of it's time. Don't miss this on your 3d or 4th trip to Rome.
Very, very awe-inspiring but not in the way that the original inventor had intended. As you continue this walk into history you come to the stadium with its surround of marble statues. If the entrance gave you chills, this is pure “camp almost comical, the statues are larger than life, over grown with moss in many places, and represent many different sports. Mythological figures used to inspire the athletes to greater feats of glory. There was one figure with the sharp angular face of the 1930's- very striking. ”Each figure was named for a different Italian town or area. Except for a lone runner we had the place to ourselves. At the base of the stadium wall was a list of intellectual “athletes”. Obviously meant to be continued only one year's of names had been recorded. I loved it as a representation of it's time. Don't miss this on your 3d or 4th trip to Rome.
Written June 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimmieRN
Sunnyvale,California Usa376 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I was in Rome in May and I picked up a "Where" magazine and it mentioned that the Italian Open was held at the Foro Italico. I went to the Vatican in the morning and saw Pope Francis and then a took a bus to Foro Italico. I bought my ticket for the fifth row and I got to see the women's and men's finals. I saw Serena Williams vs Victoria Azarenka...and Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer!!! Great venue for tennis!! Had a great time!!
Written July 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phys406
Durham, NH33 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Foro Italico is at a sports center built by Mussolini. Noteworthy are the mosaics in the pavement, some representing sports but others representing fascist militarism. Interesting for anyone, and especially for those with an interest in the history/"culture" of that era. Rather off the beaten path and the maps they give you at the hotels. There is a tram (I forget the number) heading north from Piazza del Popolo, but for walkers it's doable on foot (I just followed the west side of the Tevere north until I got there). I was the only tourist. A few people were using the fabulous-looking tennis courts.
Written December 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ros75
Sleaford, UK94 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
We have just visited this venue for the Rome Masters Tennis. It is situated 20 mins bus ride ( Route 32) from Ottaviano Metro. The park itself is well maintained and spacious. Apart from the 2 main courts you can sit on any of the other courts and move around at will. There is the usual array of fast food and shopping opportunities without the crowds of Wimbledon in a lovely setting. The only difficulty is getting back to the centre of Rome since the buses are very crowded and it is better to get a Taxi ( get a price first) or if fit put your best foot forward - 1/2 hour to the Vatican area where there are plenty of cafes and bars.
Written May 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we take alcohol into the tournament on Saturday evening
Written April 29, 2019
Hi, We have central court tickets to the quarter-final day, night session(starts 7:15 pm). When should we come there, assuming we want to tour the complex before? does this ticket permit access to other courts during the day (although it's night session tickets)?
Thanks
Written May 12, 2018
Ciao a tutti,
Ho intenzione di andare a vedere il concerto di Ermal Meta a luglio al Foto ITalico, sapreste dirmi quali sono i posti migliori? Grazie mille!
Written May 6, 2018
Hotel Farnesina a 10 minuti a piedi a prezzi competitivi con garage per auto a euro 20 al giorno a 200 metri
Written May 7, 2018
We are planning to visit for the Tennis Open. What type of tickets are available..grounds pass, arena & grounds, etc.? Thanks for any advice
Written January 18, 2018
Is it possible to visit Foro Italico not during sport events, just like tourists? Thank you.
Written July 9, 2017
My wife and I have tickets for the last three days of the Rome 1000. How are the seats for comfort, and are there cushions for rent or purchase?
Written April 29, 2017
In che modo si può raggiungere il foro italico con i trasporti pubblici?
Written April 24, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Rome, Italy
4 contributions
Esci alla metro A fermata "Ottaviano" e proprio davanti l'uscita della metro c'è la fermata dell'autobus 32 che ti porta davanti il Foro
Written April 25, 2017
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