Yesterday, Wednesday 05 July 2017

Here's what one travel guide says, "Built by Mussolini as a showcase to the world of the ideal Fascist metropolis, the EUR (l'Esposizione Universale di Roma) is disturbing to many visitors." Well, there's also quite a bit of disturbing bullshit written about it too, so here's my version.

This is the main thing you think of when you hear EUR. Nicknamed the Square Colosseum, it's the  Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. And it is of stunning beauty, absolutely, gob-smacking beauty.

It doesn't matter which way you look at it, or what time of day, the play of light and shadow on the marble and within the colonnades is fascinating (interesting choice of word). Robert Hughes described it as, "the most frightening building in the world". But that's because of its association. I have to admit that when I was inside looking at the art exhibition an alarm went off and I imagined a troop of soldiers goose-stepping to quell the source. It's no different to the discussions that take place about Wagner - just because Hitler liked his music doesn't make the music of any less merit.

Inside is a great showcase for art. This is a tree  hollowed out following the growth rings. Quite remarkable. (But is it art, I here you say, lol.)

The area has become a large centre of commerce and industry with accompanying miles of condominiums to house the workers for all of Rome. The remaining office buildings are dull monoliths, like Bowen State Building, or Aurora House.

There was something niggling away at me as I walked around, and after quite some time it hit me - Canberra! This is just like Canberra - boring as hell.

One final shot to say Aucklanders, eat ya heart out - this is what you call a cloud!

It's a new convention centre, and yes, they are calling it a cloud. And it isn't open to the public yet as I found out when trying to enter for a closer photo.