How did Mussolini change Rome through public works and architecture?

Benito Mussolini sought to transform Rome into the "Fascist city par excellence," using architecture and urban planning to legitimize his regime and evoke the grandeur of Rome’s imperial past.123

His regime implemented a massive public works program that significantly altered the city's landscape:2

• Urban Redevelopment: The regime cut new routes through the city to create grand, "historic" boulevards and improve access to key areas, such as Piazza San Pietro. These projects often involved the destruction of substantial portions of the historic city center.13
• Monumental Architecture: Mussolini filled Rome with modern monuments and buildings designed in a simplified, monumental Classical style. Notable examples include the Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR) area, the Via della Conciliazione, and the Piazza Augusto Imperiale.134
• Political Symbolism: These architectural efforts were intended to create a cult of personality around Mussolini, positioning him as the successor to ancient Roman authority. He frequently utilized the balcony in Piazza Venezia to deliver speeches to the public, reinforcing his role as the absolute dictator of Italy.21