Caput Mundi: Conservative restoration and enhancement of the building complex of the Basilichetta di Generosa

Caput Mundi Next Generation EU for touristic great events (Mission 1, Component 3, Investment 4.3)

Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan increases the number of accessible tourist sites in Rome, creating valid and qualified tourist and cultural alternatives with respect to the crowded central areas, as well as increasing the use of digital technologies, enhance green areas and the sustainability of tourism. The investment envisages six lines of interventions:
1. “Roman Cultural Heritage for EU-Next Generation”, covering the regeneration and restoration of cultural and urban heritage and complexes of high historical-architectural value of the city of Rome;
2. “Jubilee paths” (from pagan to Christian Rome), targeted to the enhancement, safety, anti-seismic consolidation, restoration of places and buildings of historical interest and archaeological pathways;
3. #LaCittàCondivisa, covering the redevelopment of sites in peripheral areas;
4. #Mitingodiverde, covering interventions on parks, historical gardens, villas and fountains;
5. #Roma 4.0, covering the digitalization of cultural services and the development of apps for tourists;
6. #Amanotesa, aimed at increasing the supply of cultural offer to peripheries for social integration.

The investment is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility by EUR 500 million and includes this project.
This project focuses on the conservative restoration of the Damasus cemetery basilica, aiming to consolidate walls and improve overall intelligibility. It will enhance accessibility by connecting currently closed areas, install new lighting for extended hours, and ensure full safety compliance. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 357000In detail, the following works are planned: the renovation and conservative restoration of the wall structures, including the consolidation of the wall apparatus in opus listatum and the replacement of the existing covering with an upper protective layer that is compatible with the ancient materials and appropriately fulfils its intended function. The layout of the site will be improved with the aim of restoring the overall legibility and coherence of the interior space of the Basilica of the Cemetery of Damasus. Accessibility will be enhanced in accordance with regulations on architectural barriers, through works designed to connect currently inaccessible areas to the main visitor route. Technological and lighting systems will be installed, serving the dual purpose of enhancing the archaeological site and allowing it to remain open after dark. Finally, safety regulations will be addressed through the implementation of safety signage and clearly marked escape routes.