The Accademia fascista maschile di educazione fisica or Accademia fascista della Farnesina (Fascist School of Physical education) started operating in 1928. The academy, however, moved to its final location only in 1932. It consisted of two symmetrical two-story buildings connected by a wide bridge to form an H-shaped structure. The white of the marble in the posts and frames stands in contrast to the Pompeian-red background of the plaster. Despite the classic appearance, the structure consisted of a reinforced concrete frame and filler walls. A large foundation foot elevated the building 5 meters above the natural level to surmount the highest point of the Tiber. The complex was designed by architect Enrico Del Debbio and construction commenced in 1927. It comprised the Foro Mussolini, now Foro Italico (completed in 1960), the Stadio dei Marmi and the Palazzo della Farnesina, the current home of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the 1960 Olympics, he added a swimming stadium. Enrico Del Debbio (26 May 1881 in Carrara – 12 July 1973 in Roma) was an architect and lecturer at the Faculty of Architecture in Rome 1922-1962.
Italy