Dedicated to the patron saints of Rome, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is situated in the highest part of the EUR neighbourhood, so it can be seen from many places in the city. Construction began in 1938, on both the Basilica and the neighbourhood, initially known as E42, in preparation for the Esposizione Universale of 1942 which was abandoned when Italy joined the Second World War. Building work recommenced in 1953 and finished two years later.
Characterised by a Greek cross floor plan and a large cupola, the Rationalist style church was designed by various architects: Arnaldo Foschini, Alfredo Energici, Vittorio Grassi, Nello Ena, Tullio Rossi and Costantino Vetriani. The monumental staircase that provides access compensates for the difference in height with Viale Europa below, and is crowned with the statues of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome.
In via Eufrate near the Basilica, Pier Paolo Pasolini spent the last years of his life with his mother Susanna, on the first floor of the building at n. 9. The poet and film director, originally from Friuli, mentioned the church in his novel Petrolio, calling it a “false St. Peter’s”.
Roma Lazio Film Commission
Via Parigi 11 – 00185, Roma
Phone: +39 06 72286273/320
Fax: +39 06 722 1127
Email: info@romalaziofilmcommission.it
