Santiago Calatrava's Vela in Rome Illuminated After 14 Years of Abandonment

The Vela, a 75-meter steel and concrete structure designed by Santiago Calatrava at the former Città dello Sport in Tor Vergata, Rome, has been partially redeveloped for the 2025 Jubilee. On July 7, 2025, a lighting installation by Barbora Nacarova, powered by renewable energy and representing the sun, moon, and stars, was switched on. The project won first prize at the darc Awards 2025 – Structure High Budget. The site, transferred from the University of Tor Vergata to the Agenzia del Demanio in 2021, now includes a reinforced Vela, a completed outdoor arena seating 8,000 (up to 15,000 in the area), and a requalified northern external zone with new roads, parking, and tree planting. The first major event will be the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to August 3. The Agenzia del Demanio plans public-private partnerships for future phases, aiming to attract investments in research, technology, health, and wellness. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced upcoming openings of a new highway junction and overpass, plus regeneration in Tor Bella Monaca.