Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Photo 1 shows a large domed church seen from the bottom of a wide stepped ramp flanked by tall trees and hedges. — The domed Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo rises at the top of a broad stone stairway framed by pine trees and clipped hedges. Photo: Stefano Vigolo, 2010.

Roma · EUR · Monumental parish church

A domed basilica standing at the highest point of the EUR district in Rome, built for the planned E42 exposition and later opened for worship in the 1950s.

At a glance

The basilica occupies the summit of the EUR quarter, where its hemispherical dome serves as a visual landmark from the surrounding streets. It was designed by a team led by Arnaldo Foschini, clad in travertine, and raised to the rank of Basilica.

Key facts

Where: Piazzale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo 8, 00144 Roma
What: Basilica
When: Opened for worship on 3 July 1955
GPS: 41.8337, 12.4593 · Open in Google Maps

History

The site is recorded as the highest point of the EUR area, where an oratory of the Archconfraternity of the Pilgrims was believed to have stood, already consecrated to the two Apostles. The design was entrusted to a group of architects and engineers under Arnaldo Foschini. The church was opened for worship on 3 July 1955, erected as a parish on 8 December 1958, consecrated by Cardinal Francesco Seper on 29 June 1966, and raised to the rank of Basilica on 29 June of the following year.

What you see

The temple was conceived with a central Greek cross plan and a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 32 metres. Travertine was used for the external cladding. The architectural composition was completed by lateral porticoed wings, two large statues depicting the patron saints Peter and Paul, and a monumental staircase joining the church square to the underlying viale Europa. On the pinnacle of the lantern stands a bronze angel by Carmelo Abate.

Do you know more about this place?

If you know a date, a name, a document, a plaque or a photograph that tells its story, write to Sofia at [email protected] or through the contact page. What arrives with a source goes into this page, with your name as the contributor.

Nearby

St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square, Vatican City – Virtual Tour — the principal basilica of the Catholic Church, dedicated to the same apostle Peter

Gallery

Photo 2 shows a standing stone statue of a bearded man holding a staff on a tall square base, with pine trees and a modern stone building behind. — A carved stone statue of a robed, bearded figure holding a staff stands on a stepped travertine pedestal beside a modern stone building Photo: Stefano Vigolo, 2010.

Photo 3 shows a stone statue of a robed man with one hand raised, on a tall base, with a clipped hedge and pine trees around. — A weather-stained statue of a robed figure with a raised hand stands on a square base between a dark hedge and umbrella pines Photo: Stefano Vigolo, 2010.

Photo 4 shows the front facade of the domed basilica with its entrance portal, flanked by two large pine trees, with cars parked in front. — The facade of the Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo is framed by two umbrella pines, with cars parked along the road before the entrance steps Photo: Stefano Vigolo, 2010.

Sources

Turismo Roma, Basilica of St Peter and St.Paul in EUR district: architectural description, dates of opening, parish status and consecration
Estate Romana, Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo all’EUR: current use as a parish entrusted to the Friars Minor Conventual
Stefano Vigolo, photographs and notes to the editorial staff (2026): identification of the subject. Not a published source

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Travel tips from CHO

Go on the first Sunday of the month

State museums, archaeological parks and monuments across Italy open free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. It covers state-run sites only — civic and private museums set their own prices — and there is nothing to claim: you simply walk in.

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In September, the doors that are usually shut open

For one long weekend every September, some fifty European countries run the European Heritage Days together: palaces, workshops, archives and private houses that are closed the rest of the year let visitors in, almost always for nothing. Italy sets its own dates, and they are published a few weeks ahead.

Dates, country by country →

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