Page 44 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

42  INTRODUCING ROME

Modern Rome

The Fascist dictator Mussolini dreamed of recreating the
immensity, order, and power of the old Roman Empire:
“Rome,” he said, “must appear wonderful to the whole
world.” He began to build a grandiose new complex, EUR,
in the suburbs, and razed 15 churches and many medieval
houses to create space for wide new roads. Fortunately
most of the old center has survived, leaving the city with Extent of the City
one of Europe’s most picturesque historic cores. To mark 1960s Today
the Holy Year and the new millennium, many crumbling
churches, buildings, and monuments were given a
thorough facelift.

Mussolini’s Plans for Rome
This propaganda poster reflects Mussolini’s
grandiose projects such as Via dei Fori
Imperiali in the Forum area (see p79),
and EUR (p268).

Jubilee Celebrations City-Center Traffic
Pope Francis Jubilee Years are usually Rome’s streets are congested,
After the abdication of Pope celebrated every quarter and many buildings have been
Benedict XVI in 2013, the damaged by pollution. There are
Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario of a century. Millions of plans to close the historic center to
Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis. Catholics visited Rome to traffic. The former Mayor, Ignazio Marino,
The Pope exerts a huge influence celebrate the year 2000. began closing stretches of Via dei Fori
on the lives of the world’s Catholics. Imperiali to cars and scooters in 2013.

1929 Lateran Treaty creates a 1960 Olympic Games are held in Rome
1911 Victor separate Vatican state
Emmanuel 1946 National referendum
Monument is 1926 Opposition 1944 Allies liberate establishes Italy as a Republic;
completed parties banned Rome from Germans King Umberto II exiled
1900 1915 1930 1945 1960
1915 Italy enters 1940 Italy 1957 Treaty of Rome
World War I enters World initiates European
War II; work Common Market
1922 Fascists march on Rome. Poster begins on
Mussolini becomes prime minister for EUR EUR zone 1962 Second Vatican Council
brings about Church reforms

US_042-043_EW_Rome_US.indd 42 16/03/17 11:55 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight history template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1)
Date 26th July 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm