Postcard of the stadium, Roma, Olympico

Product detailed description

Condition: rounded corners

Dimensions: 14.8 cm x 10.2 cm

A postcard of a sports venue that no longer exists! This colour view shows the Velodromo Olimpico in Rome's EUR district, built for the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, where track cycling and field hockey events were held. It features the racing oval with stands, floodlight masts and the entrance gate with period cars. The reverse has a four-language caption, publisher Edizioni OTO Roma, printer Alterocca Terni and Fotocolor process. Disused after 1968, the velodrome was demolished in 2008. Unused, blank, no stamp.

Facts at a glance

• Item: colour postcard, unused, blank, no stamp
• View: Velodromo Olimpico, Rome, EUR district, Italy
• Publisher: Edizioni OTO Roma, printed by Alterocca Terni, Fotocolor process
• Card number: 33775
• Caption on reverse: Italian, English, French and German
• Context: 1960 Rome Summer Olympics (track cycling, field hockey)
• Fate of the venue: in use until 1968, demolished on 24 July 2008

Expert note – FAQ

What was the Velodromo Olimpico in Rome?
The Velodromo Olimpico was the Olympic velodrome in Rome's EUR district, built for the 1960 Summer Olympics. It hosted track cycling and the field hockey tournament. Foundation problems put it out of use in 1968, and it was demolished by controlled explosion in July 2008.

Why do collectors look for postcards of lost stadiums?
Postcards of lost stadiums and sports venues are valued because they are often among the few surviving images of the building. Collectors are drawn to their architecture, their link to famous events such as the Olympics, and period details such as cars, clothing and surrounding streets.

How can I date a postcard without a postmark?
An unused postcard without a postmark can be dated by its publisher, numbering and printing process, and by the image itself. For a building with a short life, such as the Rome velodrome in use from 1960 to 1968, the surroundings, the age of the trees and the car models are useful clues.