The first urban plan for the EUR district is drawn up by Mussolini in 1937 who wants to create a Third Rome beyond the boundaries of the eternal city, along the ideal axis from piazza Venezia to the sea. The definitive project of 1939 makes provision for the creation of infrastructures and buildings of a monumental and scenic architectural style, with large open spaces and naturalistic features (the lake, the eucalyptus wood, etc.). The work should have been completed in 1942, for the Universal Exhibition in Rome after which the project was named. At the outbreak of the war, however, only the buildings of the offices of the Independent EUR Body had been built together with the workers' village along the road known as Laurentina.
50's
After work is suspended due to the outbreak of war, the EUR buildings slowly fall into ruins. In 1951, the election of Virgilio Testa to the post of Commissioner of the Ente EUR indicates the resumption of construction of the district, with the objective of making it an administrative and residential area. The new urban project is revised in 1952, reworked in 1954 (for the 1960 Olympics) and updated in 1967. The Palazzo dello Sport and the Velodrome, the most important buildings of the district are built for the Olympics. In 1953 the Fiera di Roma (Rome Trade Fair) is moved from piazzale Clodio to the EUR. Also in 1953, preparations are made for the Mostra dell'Agricoltura (Agricultural Show) at the Palazzo dei Congressi (which wll be officially opened the following year) and work starts on the section of the Metropolitana (underground railway) between la Magliana and Ostia station.
60's
The decade opens with the huge occasion of the Olympics, which gives a considerable boost to the town planning of the district. The renewal project is completed in 1960 with the construction of the Piscina delle Rose (swimming pool) and of the artificial lake. The construction of buildings and infrastructures continues at the EUR: between 1959 and 1962 the ICE building is constructed, between 1961 and 1962 the office building of Eni, in 1965 the basilica of SS. Pietro e Paolo is opened. In 1962 the new General Regulatory Plan of Rome is launched, confirming the EUR's role as an administrative centre: it also sets in motion the construction of many new districts, including Spinaceto, built in 1965 along the road which leads from the EUR to the sea.
70's
Between 1969 and 1976 the Ministero delle Poste e Telecomunicazioni complex (today the Ministry of communications) is built: in 1977, with the work finished, the Museo Storico delle Poste e Telecomunicazioni is able to be transferred to its present headquarters. In 1975 the National Science Academy, founded in 1782, obtains head offices in Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana: this contributes to reviving the fame and the activities of the Academy. Between 1961 and 1975 the residential district of Casal Palocco, an extension of the EUR, is built on via Cristoforo Colombo. The EUR Palasport begins to host concerts of light music.
80's
In the Eighties, the district is by now established in its role as the administrative centre of the capital and does not undergo any major changes in urban planning. The Palazzo dello Sport hosts the first victory of a Roman team in the basketball championships: the Bancoroma team wins the shield in 1983 and the Champions' cup the next year.
90's
In the Eighties, the district is by now established in its role as the administrative centre of the capital and does not undergo any major changes in urban planning. The Palazzo dello Sport hosts the first victory of a Roman team in the basketball championships: the Bancoroma team wins the shield in 1983 and the Champions' cup the next year.
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