The Square Colosseum

In this episode, we explore how the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum,” has been reimagined in four different films. Once a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist ideology, this imposing structure has since become a versatile canvas for directors like Fellini, Greenaway, Taymor, and Wimmer. Each filmmaker uses the building to reflect on themes like power, control, and history, from playful satire to dystopian futures. Through this exploration, we uncover how architecture can carry deep symbolism, transforming space into a powerful narrative tool across time and genres.