The famous Italian "Sail," designed by a renowned architect, has opened. 16 years late.

Over the next dozen or so years, the impressive structure fell into disrepair. It was transferred to the care of the University of Rome, Tor Vergata, but the university authorities merely maintained the structure in an unfinished state. Meanwhile, ideas about what to do with the structure changed.

Change came in 2021, when the facilities of the former Città dello Sport were placed under the care of central institutions. Four years later, in July 2025, the facility officially opened. However, its first test will not be a sporting event – at the turn of July and August, the facilities of the former Città dello Sport will host youth meetings as part of the Jubilee Year celebrated this year in Rome and the Vatican.

Vela di Calatrava: Rome's new attraction

The Vela di Calatrava, a structure designed by the Spanish architect, measuring 75 meters high and weighing nearly 7,000 tons, required a thorough renovation after several years of neglect. The supporting elements installed in 2005 were reinforced, the entire structure was tested, and the facility, originally planned as a swimming hall, was transformed into an open-air arena with a seating capacity of 8,000.

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The redevelopment project, which cost approximately €80 million in total, also included the revitalization of a 48-hectare area. The plan included not only renovating existing spaces but also "greening" the entire complex. Several hundred trees and thousands of shrubs were planted, and a rainwater harvesting system and clean energy production were implemented. A botanical garden is planned for the future.