Rome Unbuilt

Rome’s grandeur is legendary, but what about the unseen forces that shaped its modern landscape? In this episode, we uncover abusivismo, the phenomenon of illegal construction that redefined the city after World War II. From desperate migrants building makeshift homes to powerful developers exploiting legal loopholes, we explore how nearly 20% of Rome’s built environment emerged outside the law. With corruption, politics, and urban struggle intertwined, discover how Rome’s unofficial architecture tells a story of resilience, survival, and contested space.