The Santi Pietro e Paolo all’EUR Church in Rome‘s EUR district was built towards the middle of the 20th century. It is located at the highest spot in the district and its enormous dome can be seen from far away. The church was built as a mausoleum form Mussolini. It is also known as Santi Pietro e Paolo a Via Ostiense.
Santi Pietro e Paolo all’EUR Rome, a brief history
The Basilica of the Saints Peter and Paul is located at the highest point of the EUR district, in the spot where the Oratorium of the Arciconfraternita dei Pellegrini is thought to have stood. This building was also dedicated to Peter and Paul.
The church was opened on July 3rd, 1955. The architect was Arnaldo Foschini, who was the leader of a large group of collaborators.
The church became a basilica on June 29th, 1967. (June 29th is the feast day of the saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome. It is the only purely local public holiday in the city.)
What to see
The floor plan of the church is a Greek cross. The enormous dome has a diameter of 32 meters. The exterior of the church is covered with travertine marble. A wide stairway leads from the church to the Viale Europa below.
Highlights
The two huge statues depict the saint Peter and Paul. In a niche in the facade there is a relief depicting Christ giving the keys to Saint Peter. The artist responsible for this work was Giovanni Prini.
The bronze angel that crowns the top was made by Federico Papi.
The bronze door is decorated with formella’s depicting various good deeds performed by the two saints.
The interior is adorned with a great number of statues and reliefs. Most of these also have the lives of Peter and Paul as their subjects.
Address, opening times and ticket price
The address of the Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo all’EUR is Piazzale Santi Pietro e Paolo – Rome (tel. +39 065926166). Bus: 31, 709, 771, 780. Opening hours: The church is opened every morning. Entrance: Free.
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